Firefighter Ricardo “Rick” Ortiz joined the LAFD on January 28, 1957 after serving in the Navy in World War II. In those days, probationary firefighters had to purchase their own gear including buying their own gloves. Ortiz borrowed about $300 from a credit union to purchase his uniform and equipment. Nowadays, firefighters are equipped with the basic uniforms, gear, and safety equipment at no cost to them. Although some additional gear is at their own expense or provided through the assistance of foundations. Back when Ortiz started, there was no breathing apparatus, or other safety gear like they have today. To avoid heavy smoke, he had to crawl on the floor! Watch as he shares his incredible history in the fire service.
Three Decades of Service with LAFD
Retired now, Rick attained the rank of Captain I. He retired on November 27, 1987 serving the City of Los Angeles for nearly 31 years. He loved his work, the environment, firefighting, and the camaraderie that was part of the job. He was in the thick of some of Los Angeles’ most iconic fires. The Bel Air blaze of 1961, which leveled more than 480 homes starting at Mulholland and Beverly Glen. Houses exploded before they were able save them due to gas lines exploding. Rick and his crew were able to save about 15 homes on their watch. In the thick of it, they hoped the 405 freeway would be a firebreak, but according to Rick the fire jumped it like it was not even there. Before the wildfire was contained, he and his crew encountered an eight-foot ball of fire rolling off the hillside.
During the Watts riots his engine company was accompanied by national guardsmen, keeping them safe so they could do their jobs under dangerous conditions.
One of the most memorable incidents he was called to was the massive explosion of the Sansinena, just before 8 pm on December 17, 1976. The Sansinena was an oil tanker fueling up in Los Angeles harbor. Hours earlier, his buddies completed an inspection of the tanker, and he was in his office doing paperwork. The tanker exploded with such force the window in his office bowed. Rick was one of the first LAFD boats to arrive on scene he raced down the channel in the black smoke and when he arrived, he saw a massive fire. When the tanker blew, it ripped it apart and began to sink. The blast leveled the wharf and the pumping station. He grabbed a lantern and went ashore, that when he saw something that looked like a sack of potatoes, but it was a body. There were eight more bodies found that day.
Captain Rick was charismatic and was tapped to use his charisma to host a weekly LAFD community program in Spanish for KMEX-TV. One of his proudest achievements was opening up firehouses for family day. When he was working, there were no women allowed at the station – ever. He instituted family day and invited families to spend holidays with their firefighters at the station. His children and wife did not want Rick home for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, they wanted to spend the holidays at his fire station.
Rick has the secret to what makes a good firefighter. He said proper attitude, and drive. He said attitude is also number one in life. His positive attitude earned him a fantastic farewell when he retired. At Ports of Call, 260 firemen and all five fireboats spraying full blast gave him an unforgettable send off. Fitting for one of LAFD’s finest.
He said he loved his job and would go back in a minute if he could.
By Shawna McLean
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