26 Years Ago Today - March 23, 1998: Members of @LAFD Remember the Crash of 'Fire 3'. On the morning of March 23, 1998, while transporting a critically injured 12 year old girl from a traffic collision in Sunland to @ChildrensLA Hospital, #LAFD helicopter 'Fire 3' developed a sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure of its tail rotor system. Despite a near total loss of control, Pilot Steven Robinson expertly maneuvered the aircraft away from vulnerable homes below and subsequently crashed near the intersection of Red Oak Drive and Fern Dell Drive in #GriffithPark. Three LAFD members and their young patient, Norma Vides-Anaya, were killed in the crash, while an additional two LAFD members were seriously injured. Each year on this somber anniversary, LAFD personnel from nearby stations - today, members of Fire Station 35 in #LosFeliz, unfazed by a sudden downpour; return to this sacred spot to formally salute their fallen colleagues, perform landscape maintenance and polish the plaque to ensure our fallen brothers are never forgotten. Today, we fulfilled our rightful promise to never forget the sacrifice of: - Apparatus Operator Michael D. McComb - Firefighter/Paramedic Michael A. Butler - Firefighter/Paramedic Eric F. Reiner
The loss and suffering endured by family and friends was and remains deep and life-altering. We can think of no better way to honor our fallen colleagues, than by sharing a poem written by (then 15 year old) Nicholas Reiner, the son of Firefighter/Paramedic Eric Reiner: The Eternal Scar March 23rd, an ordinary day, just one to forget. Maybe for you, but not for me, not yet. I was changed that morning, changed in my soul and my heart, A morning for me that will stand apart My Dad died that day doing what he did best Saving lives without much rest. The helicopter--the cradle of life had rudder failure and started to descend. The girl in the chopper dying, my dad and others gave a hand to lend. The aircraft was lost, my Dad lost with it. I was thunderstruck, shocked, and utterly sad That my life had taken this turn because of the loss of my Dad I didn't know what to think, or say I experienced nothing but sadness that horrible day. I was left without a father to guide me on my way. Left without a leader, I began to sway Back and forth with a question I had Why did God choose to take my Dad? Why me, why him, why o why? What would my life be like if he were here, alive? How would I have been, what would I have done? Would I have been a good or bad son? I'll never know, because I can't change the past This is why my memories and prayers must last One of his favorite quotes was "Always take the high road." Well, when I think of him I ponder this quote. And I think that if he died to save then I can stand up and be brave Face my fears, and take up my crosses Accept hardship, and deal with my losses I am scarred forever because he died Unable to forget what is contained inside This wound, once open and throbbing without control Now silent, numbed, a deep meaningful hole Eternally present, once only pain, Now death gives way to hopeful gain A tear, a smothered cry, anguished undenied Find here a knowing, a caring and warmth supplied The day is gone, the scar will stay His courage, now mine, will lead the way
@LAFDtalk @LAFD @ChildrensLA I remember that well. I also remember the finding was something along the lines of fatigue of the tail rotor.
@LAFDtalk @LAFD @ChildrensLA I’m so glad they are still honored I went to school with Michael’s son the whole family was devastated. I remember how kind he was always working on a car or helping someone.