The Fire/Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
Evacuation Systems that will save lives!

On Saturday, July 21st, 2007 I visited the original Fire Station 27, 2 blocks South of Sunset Boulevard, which has been converted to a museum and Historical Society and is adjacent to the new Fire Station 27 next door.

You cannot imagine how elated I was when Walt Jaeger and Donald Dodd (two LAFD firemen who are working on the history of the LAFD) found records substantiating that my late father, Dr. Ezra Lax, was one of the first physicians for the LAFD. Prior to my father, fireman had their physical histories taken and maintained by the Los Angeles Police Department. So in 1933, when Long Beach sustained a major earthquake, again it was my father who was in charge of the emergency medical teams, thus establishing what I am continuing; a 75 year tradition of being involved with fire departments, each in our own way but with a common thread, that of working with fire departments to save lives.

Every fire station has a unique history, some more interesting than others. Fire Station 27, located in the heart of Hollywood and the city of Los Angeles, is now known as one of the most remarkable and storied stations in fire department history, anywhere.

In 1927, Chief Engineer Ralph J. Scott suggested a new station on property recently acquired by the department. The local community was initially against the concept of a new station and fought the city, even using legal resources. Eventually, an agreement to situate a new station on the corner of Wilcox and DeLongpre was reached.

Los Angeles City Architect P. K. Schabarum, uncle to Los Angeles County Supervisor Pete Schabarum, developed a design for a two-story, beige brick building, with stained wood trim, tile roof, and unique masonry details. With more than 18,227 square feet, it was the largest station west of the Mississippi River. The cost to the city was approximately $187,000.

On Tuesday, July 1, 1930, Engine Co. No. 27, Hose Co. No. 2, Truck Co. No. 9, Rescue Co. No. 2, and Salvage Co. No. 4 moved into the nearly completed building. The first emergency run for 27s occurred within hours of the companies taking up quarters. A small fire in an apartment building was doused with water. The official dedication took place on Monday, March 16, 1931.

During its history, the crews of 27s responded to riots, studio fires, brush fires, and emergencies of every imaginable type. One of the first rescue ambulances used by the city was stationed there, as were other specialized units, including but not limited to salvage, utility and rescue.

Photo: Lyle Taylor, LAFD Ret.

As a tribute to this beautiful structure, which has seen some of Hollywood's best and most challenging days, on October 20, 1976, the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Board declared, by Ordinance No. 121,971 Fire Station 27 to be Historical-Cultural Monument No. 165.

The station was damaged by earthquakes on several occasions and was nearly torn down. However, thanks to some dedicated efforts by local citizens and firefighters, station 27 is the home of the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society.

This section of the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society will document the history of the station, its use as a museum today, exhibits and other special events.