Calabasas to pay tribute to the firefighters

OMINOUS—A Los Angeles County firefighter observes the flames near Calabasas during September’s fire. Photo Courtesy City of Calabasas Former Green Bay Packers football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever—the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it.”

Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 29 at the Agoura Hills/ Calabasas Community Center, Calabasas and others will “stand and cheer,” and pay tribute to the heroes who fought the recent Topanga fire.

Several community members and local groups recently suggested that Calabasas host a tribute event for the firefighters and peace officers that kept the recent fires from burning any structures or hurting anyone, according to Calabasas Mayor Barry Groveman.

“It’s important for residents to realize how the potential to lose everything we have was real . . . We have a lot of thanking to do,” Groveman said. “My council colleagues and I all felt that what we had seen was such extraordinary dedication.”

When word of a tribute event got out, Countrywide in Calabasas asked to fund the entire thing, according to Groveman.

“I was actually going to ask for a few sponsors so that the city wouldn’t have to pay for anything, but Countrywide wanted to pay the entire (bill),” Groveman said. “It just demonstrates the outpouring of community support because this wasn’t a very hard sell.”

Groveman will recognize a few key people who he saw in action during the firefight.

“I have never witnessed such collective and successful performance of firefighters and sheriffs in my entire career,” Groveman said.

The city’s media department will present photographs and a video that pay tribute to the fire resistance during the recent calamity.

No RSVP is necessary. Food will be served and families are welcome. The Agoura Hills/ Calabasas Community Center is at 27040 Malibu Hills Road in Calabasas.

—Michael Picarella