Hollywood Fire Station Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Staff Correspondent
features
Fifty years of fire service in the Hollywood area was recently commemorated by the Los Angeles City Fire Department during luncheon ceremonies at Station 27 in Hollywood.
Station 27 was built in 1930 for $178,000 and is one of the largest fire stations in the West. The two-story brown brick structure has 22,000 square feet and presently houses a task force (two engines and a truck), rescue ambulance, Squad 27, Utility 27, and the headquarters of Battalion 5.
Chief John Gerard explains that although 27s is not the oldest station still in LA City service, it is probably the most famous. “Because of its geographic location in Hollywood and its size, many motion pictures, television films and commercials have used 27s as a location site.”
The chief says the decision to commemorate the golden anniversary of the station was a combination of wanting to call attention to the rejuvenation of the Hollywood area and for overall public relations for the fire service.
Gerard, noted for his interest and dedication to public relations, had his staff work out a luncheon ceremony which included a band, display of old fire equipment, lunch served from a commissary truck, a birthday cake, and appearances by members of the Los Angeles City Council, Hollywood community leaders and a representative of the mayor’s office.
Battalion Chief Robert Ewert was master of ceremonies, and members of the station force were dressed in oldtime fire fighter costumes.
The station is a historical-cultural monument, but city officials indicate some work must be done to make the station more earthquake-proof.
Official photograph Los Angeles City Fire Department