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John W. Callahan 1949-2010

We are saddened to announce the untimely death of John W. Callahan, retired Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Chief Callahan passed away on August 18, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Lynne, son John Christopher and daughter Danise.

Chief Callahan began his career with the Los Angeles Fire Department on July 25, 1970 as a Firefighter and promoted through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of our Department. As Commander of Operations, he held the second highest position in the Department.

During his LAFD career, Callahan supervised the implementation of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, served as Commander of the Fire Suppression and Rescue Bureau, managed the Disaster Preparedness Section, oversaw Communications and Dispatch and the In-Service Training Section.

In addition, he headed LAFD preparations for the 2000 Democratic National Convention and served as the Department’s liaison with the Mayor and City Council.

Chief Callahan also served as the Vice-President for the LAFD Chief Officers’ Association (COA) and as chair of the Emergency Preparedness Commission for the County and Cities of Los Angeles. Since 2004, he provided consulting in the area of public safety with clients throughout the United States.

Following retirement from the LAFD in 2003, he went on to become the Fire Chief of San Luis Obispo Fire Department in 2005. As the Fire Chief in San Luis Obispo, Chief Callahan was credited with bringing innovation to the Fire Departent and key improvements to the City’s Emergency Operations Center. John and his wife were also proudly involved in the YMCA and the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

Funeral and Memorial Services for Chief Callahan have yet to be announced. Details will be posted as soon as they become available.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD News & Information

July 28, 2010
Related:
ROCKY MOUNT – State Police say they have a better idea of what happened in the moments before the deadly fire truck crash in Rocky Mount late Monday afternoon.

Sgt. Robert Carpentieri, with State Police’s Salem Division, says a Ford Escape had the green light and entered intersection at same time as fire truck entered intersection. Sgt. Carpentieri said investigators determined the fire truck had its emergency lights on.

The SUV hit fire truck on the driver’s side. The fire truck then tipped over onto a Ford Mustang.

The crash killed Rocky Mount Fire Chief and town vice-mayor Posey Dillon, as well as fellow longtime firefighter Danny Altice. Governor Bob McDonnell ordered state flags lowered to half-staff in honor of their memories.

Sgt. Carpentieri adds that the accident reconstruction team has finished its field work, and the analysis of the data could take a few weeks to complete…WSLS Story

Firefighter Spot – Home of The Best Firefighting Video

A fire broke out at a recycling facility on Central Avenue in Farmingdale Tuesday afternoon, backing up traffic throughout the area, officials said.

No injuries were reported.

Newsday

Firefighter Spot – Home of The Best Firefighting Video