Last Alarm Foundation News
Remembering Jim Russell, Cops and Rodders Committee Member
One of very first committee members and participant in all of our shows, retired Tucson Fire Department Deputy Chief James R. Russell passed away on March 8, 2010 after a valiant fight against cancer. Jim was a native of Arizona and was born 7-3-34 in Douglas, AZ.
Jim was hired on at the Tucson Fire Department in 1960 and rose through the ranks to become the second highest commander as the Deputy Chief, the position he held until 1990 when he retired. Jim was the 54th person assigned a Chief Officer title since the beginning of the Tucson Fire Department.
Ex-deputy chief marks last alarm on ’35 firetruck
James Russell could never envision himself being taken to his final resting place in a hearse. As a retired Tucson firefighter, there was only one vehicle that would give Russell his last ride: a firetruck.
Firefighter Wins Corvette in LAF Raffle
Ernie Robles, Operations Chief, Picture Rocks Fire Department, had an unexpected Christmas gift this year – a brand new 2008 Corvette! In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Ernie purchased the winning ticket while visiting United Fire Equipment Co. in Tucson. Daniel...
Project Update – February 2009
The Last Alarm Foundation Inc. (LAF) is restoring a 1954 Mack L Model Fire Truck to transport departed firefighters to their final place of rest…their "last alarm." This fire truck/hearse will provide an honorable and fitting funeral for those who have served as they...
Last Alarm Truck Wins First Place
Ex-firefighters work to build appropriate hearse
Retired firefighter Frank Tamayo believes that for about 10 percent of firefighters, work is just a job; for the other 90 percent, it is a calling.
With that in mind, Tamayo and the Last Alarm Foundation are on a mission to honor fallen men and women of the fire service with a final tribute befitting that dedication — a “last alarm” ride on a restored 1954 Mack pumper truck to their final resting places.
Project Update Report
As you may know, the original budget required raising $165,000 to restore and outfit the 1954 Mack L Model Fire Truck. We have had great support from the community and especially from those who are active and retired in the firefighters’ brotherhood. In addition to...
Last Alarm for Retired Firefighters
A few years ago, several retired firefighters from the Tucson (Ariz.) Fire Department decided that they should open a fire museum. Unfortunately, a lack of both money and a building to house the museum prohibited the idea. However, the men were determined to find a memorable project to work on, so they decided to buy an old fire truck and convert it to a hearse that could be used for retired firefighters’ funerals.
The firefighters’ final tribute ride
It is fitting the final tribute to a firefighter’s life be one last ride on a firetruck. To that end, the Last Alarm Foundation in Tucson is raising money to refurbish, tow and store a firetruck to offer this “Last Alarm” service to firefighters and other public safety officers in Southern Arizona.
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Last Alarm Foundation
Tucson, AZ 85731