LAPD & LAFD Teamwork Protects Homeless

On the morning of January 2, 2006, the Los Angeles Police and Fire Department combined resources and established a Unified Command System to proactively address issues of homeless encampments and citizens in peril near urban flood control systems.

These locations are often the site of preventable swift water rescues that endanger citizens and rescuers alike during severe storm activity.



In a cooperative effort that highlights LAPD and LAFD interoperability, a Joint Command Post was established at a Sherman Oaks Fire Station and an Incident Action Plan using specialized resources from both agencies was utilized with success.

The Los Angeles Police Department deployed Officers from the Mounted Unit of their elite Metropolitan Division, and were also represented by Command Staff.

The Los Angeles Fire Department deployed four Swift Water Rescue Teams, two Bulldozers, five Brush Patrols, LAFD Air Operations and Command Staff, including formal representation at the Police Departments "Department Operations Center" (DOC).

Firefighters and Police Officers worked in close cooperation to skilfully handle a broad variety of critical task level assignments.



For example, the Los Angeles Police Department took responsibility for patrolling public recreations areas for homeless residents in the path of rising waters at the Sepulveda Basin, Hansen Dam and Tujunga Wash.

As a result of these Police patrols, five homeless residents were rescued in the Sepulveda Basin through the combined efforts of the Fire and Police resources.

In addition, approximately 20 people were removed from danger at the Hansen Dam Recreational Area.

Rescue efforts were significantly enhanced by the LAFD Air Operations Section "Forward Looking Infra-Red System" (FLIR). With this state of the art system, LAFD Air Operations personnel were able to locate two homeless people who could have easily been missed in the deep brush and grass.



In light of recent swift water rescues, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind all local residents of the need to remain safe and prepare their homes and families for the predictable impact of winter storms.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department