SR-205-007 (10)
F:\data\sproulx\admin\staffreports\vehicledonation.doc
City Council Meeting: 9/24/02 Santa Monica, CA
To: Mayor and Council members
From: City Staff
Subject: Donation of Retired Fire Department Vehicle to Los Angeles Fire
Department Historical Society
Introduction:
To assist the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society (LAFDHS) in the
preservation and education of the history of the Fire Service in the Los Angeles
community, the Santa Monica Fire Department recommends donating a twenty-nine
year old retired Fire Department utility vehicle to the Los Angeles Fire Department
Historical Society (LAFDHS) for a static display in their Museum.
Background:
The LAFDHS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization (No. 95-4680410) made up of
volunteers with a mission to preserve the rich and diverse history of Fire Departments in
the Los Angeles community. Preservation is accomplished primarily by restoring
vintage fire apparatus, preserving historical fire stations, restoring equipment, and
safeguarding the pictorial/visual and spoken history of the area’s fire service
.
Discussion:
This utility vehicle (#13649) entered service with the Santa Monica Fire Department in
1941. In 1973, the original chassis was replaced and the rear body compartments were
refitted on the chassis. In 1993, the vehicle was taken out of front-line service and used
as a utility vehicle for Urban Search & Rescue operations. In 1997, due to failure of the
braking system, the vehicle was retired from all service and stored at the Fire
Department Training Facility. Repairs were not feasible due to the extended age of the
chassis (24 years) and body (59 years).
In November of 2000, the LAFDHS contacted the Santa Monica Fire Department
requesting the donation of this vehicle to their museum to be used as a static display.
Currently, the LAFDHS is converting old Fire Station 27, located at Cole and Cahuenga
in Hollywood, into a Fire Museum. Through a variety of historical displays and
interactive educational programs, they will create a moving and memorable experience
while educating the citizens of our diverse community in public safety and health.
Upon approval of the donation by the City Council, the Santa Monica Fire Department is
prepared to donate the vehicle this fiscal year. The LAFDHS will arrange all movement
of the vehicle and any costs incurred. Thee is no place to exhibit this vehicle in Santa
Monica, and removal from its current storage location will free up space at the Fire
Training Facility.
Budget/Financial Impact:
There are no budget or financial impacts associated with this donation.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council of the City of Santa Monica approve the
donation of a retired Fire Department utility vehicle to the Los Angeles Fire Department
Historical Society (LAFDHS).
Prepared By: Ettore Berardinelli, Fire Chief
Jim Hone, Fire Marshall
Sandy Proulx, Executive Administrative Assistant