To many, it may look humorous, the 1914 Moreland Combination Hose Wagon seen at left. Viewing the men aboard, a contemporary might at first laugh, imagining them to be the Fire Service equivalent of the Keystone Cops.

Nothing however, could be further from the truth.

In the early days of the Los Angeles Fire Department, and just a few years prior to the retirement of our beloved Blackie and Cotton, the eastside of our great City was protected by the men of LAFD Hose Company Number 1, who were a prideful bunch.

While understandably proud of their early conversion to motorized apparatus from fire horses, they were even more proud to be led into battle by Lieutenant Roman W. Ritters.

Rising briskly through the ranks in less than twelve years to become an LAFD Officer, Lieutenant Ritters bravely led his crew to battle many conflagrations, including a massive Mt. Washington grass fire on June 9, 1919 that would ultimately cost him his life.

On a day the Los Angeles Times later referred to as "the hottest day of the year", and one that saw our Department battling fifty-two alarms, a then record for one day in Los Angeles, Hose Company Number 1 was joined by every firefighting apparatus in the City for over three hours in battling flames near Pasadena Avenue and Marmion Way.

It was near that location that Lt. Ritters sustained serious burns about the head, face and body while attempting to save several homes in the fire's path.

Taken to a downtown Receiving Hospital staffed by Physicians who gained expertise in treating municipal maladies during World War I, Lieutenant Ritters succumbed to his painful injuries eleven grueling days later, on June 20, 1919.

Much has changed in Los Angeles in the past 87 years. One thing that hasn't is the commitment of the Firefighters who stand ready to serve you.

On this anniversary of Lt. Ritters' passing, we hope you will work in earnest to minimize wildfire danger in your community, while surveying your home and neighborhood for life safety concerns.

Los Angeles residents who have a non-emergency concern or question about fire safety are encouraged to contact their Neighborhood Fire Station via 3-1-1.

To learn more about the fascinating history of the Los Angeles Fire Department, please plan your visit to the LAFD Museum in Hollywood.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tags: LA, Los Angeles, LAFD, Los Angeles Fire Department