As a rule, the firefighters I work with are willing to give their all and ask for nothing. It goes against their grain to do so.
These firefighters give their whole heart to the job. They respond to over 5,000 calls per year and have saved countless lives. It has been difficult lately because our city is suffering from the economic downturn like everyone else. For the last three years, in lieu of laying off firefighters and city employees, they have all taken a 6% pay cut to save their fellow employees’ jobs.
Our station was built in the early 1950s and was designed to last for 40 years. Now that we are in our 60th year, the wear and tear is starting to show. Our kitchen cabinets were resurfaced and counters were installed when I first started here 28 years ago. Only the appliances have been replaced (cook top, grille, and oven) but everything else is original.
We had finally set aside a few bucks to replace the cabinet and counters, but when the rains came we ended up responding to our own kitchen. We had a flood in our kitchen/eating area, and once the rains stopped, realized we needed a new roof. There went the money earmarked for a kitchen makeover to a new $30,000 roof.
This year, we were going to give it another try and save some money, only to find that after our first rains this year, we had another leak on the other side of the station in the Fire Chief’s office. We had buckets and trashcans in several locations to catch the water. So this year our money will go to a new roof on the opposite side of the station.
Another expense we had this year was to purchase some new tools to assist people having a difficult time breathing called CPAP machines, and also some tools to start IV’s on children, called Intra-osseous I.V. needles to start a line in the femur since kids have such small veins. This way we can give medicine into the bone marrow when a child has no pulse or has quit breathing. The CPAP has been one of the most advanced devices we have had in several years and the troops are very excited to have definitely saved lives since we placed these new tools on the rescues.
There really is no option or hesitation when faced with a decision to purchase something for the community…the kitchen can wait.
As a Chief Officer it is frustrating because it seems like every time we try to find a few extra bucks to help out the firefighters and give them some simple upgrades, something always comes up that is more essential. Our appliances are high quality and have lasted for 20 years, they still have a lot of life left and we can make do with what we have. We don’t like to ask for help, but it would really be appreciated if we could just get some cabinets and a new counter. Thank you for your consideration.
Steve Hyink, Fire Division Chief of Operations
156 Comments
Man, I love that video. And I love locally caught fish too. Win that kitchen boys, and I’ll sell you some of the best fish you’ll ever taste!
Great work on the video men! My kids loved it too! I’m a chef in Redondo, and once you guys get your new kitchen, I’d love to sponsor a meal at your station if possible. I focus on deep sea fish locally caught, and would love to put together a giant seafood extravaganza for the firemen!
I loved your video, and so did my sister. We really hope you win. We love our city and are very proud to have men and women like you protecting our city. Thank you is not enough but I will say it anyway thank you. Good luck and I will vote everyday Carly.
Hope your station wins the kitchen overhaul! Good stuff!
Thank you for helping our city and I hope you win!!!!
Great job men, and fantastic video. You deserve it. Do you guys every cook deep sea fish for dinner? I’ve got a great recipe!
Great job!! good luck
IM tweeting for ya!!
Great job gentlemen. You’ll get two votes from my wife and I, as long standing residents of Redondo. Great idea with the video as well.
Was watching “The Voice” and saw a contestant from your town….very good singer
ps. You guys really deserve a full commercial kitchen (stainless steel, not kitchen cabinets. No worries about water damage ever again.) And far more efficient cold storage than 4 (or more) power wasting standard refrigerators. Commercial refrigerators cost a small fortune, but they can be serviced for 20 to 30 years. Then you could invite guests in to cook once in awhile
Check out Engine 306 rescueremodel youtube video. Reality & Actuality.The real world…
As a southern California native who spent alot of his life in your fire district, I want to thank you all personally for everything you do every day. Many years ago in the late 80′s, you saved a good friend of mine from dying after a tragic motorcycle accident. He is alive today thanks to you and your alumni. If I were still in the state of California, I’d come over with my tools – but you have my vote and my best wishes.
Great work boys! Nothing in my kitchen works and I still think IKEA should drive right past my trailer and update yours as soon as possible. What sold me was the flamboyant and obviously super prepared dance moves of that tall, manly fireman with the dreamy eyes! What a hunk!
Amazing post. Remember to keep up the very really good performance.
Congrats on the video men! Well put together and some amazing dance moves. Saw it on the Ryan Seacrest show, just where I would imagine seeing such a flamboyant video! asily earned the new kitchen in my mind. And like some others have noticed, that tall, fit fireman had some great dance moves and even nicer eyes!
I vote everyday and send out reminders. I hope you win. Thanks for all you do! BTW I really love the video…
Our RBFD ROCKS!!!
GREAT video…. voting!!!
Video sure put a smile on my face! Thanks 4 your hard work & dedication and clearly shows you are team players! Btw, the main dancer, such a cutie… If you are not taken, then I would love 2 have dinner -now or when you win works
I can’t believe the disrepair that old firehouse is in. Don’t these heroes deserve better? The very least we can do is vote them a new kitchen by IKEA. You’ve got my vote boys! That tall fireman with the dreamy eyes is a great dancer. He must have been a pro in something else before he became a hero. Give them a new kitchen, so he can dance all over it for his crew!
Great video young men. IKEA should definitely make a stop in Redondo Beach to do their remondel. As a long time resident, I feel we all owe these men a huge round of applause for the work they do, day in and day out. In the video, that tall, muscular, handsome, hunk of a fireman was my favorite. Great dance moves friend. I hope you guys win it all!
Good luck guys!
Lets win this!
BTW Love the youtube video
Thank you for all your help to our community
Used to lived in Redondo and will support 100%, good luck!
As another new resident of Redondo Beach, I’d be happy to vote for you guys. Funny how a city wouldn’t do this type of remodel on their own; for the men and women who put their lives on the line for us. The least we can give them is a comfortable place to live. Also, great video. That tall hunk of a fireman is a serious heart throb. I’m goong to dial 911 just to get him out to my new condo!
I agree with the above comment. WHAT A HUNK!
As a new Redondo Beach resident, I am more than happy to vote for your guys. I too will be here every day to vote…I’d vote multiple times a day if it only let me!
Keep up the great work and I hope you win!
We support you! Btw, why are all firefighters so hot? Wow!
Great Job Guys! Tor Base supports you!
Love the video. Makes me laugh and smile every time. You guys deserve to win!
I vote for u guys every day I know u will win I live in he city of Torrance Ca. but all Fire fighters have A special place in my heart you guys are great and deserve a new kitchen just think of the great meals that can be cooked in it lol best of luck guy’s
Our Redondo Beach Firefighters are so cool! What a cute video! Hope our votes get you what you wish for and deserve! ;>
Good luck guys. We are pulling for you!
You guys have always been there for my family and I and I support you 100%. You are the best, thank you for your work and i’ll vote and vote and vote and hope you win!
Hey guys, I love the video it was hilarious!!! God Luck & God Bless!
We just saw you guys on KTLA 5 news….coulnt not help but smile, hop on the computer and vote. Thank you for all you do and I will vote everyday for you guys…GOOD LUCK!!!!
Made my Sunday morning! Great dancing and such a positive group of guys. Best of luck to you all!
Thanks for all you do Guys! Hope you guys win!!! Voting everyday.Can I have Breakfast with you Hotties when you win? Thank god for Firemen!!!
Great job guys! Loves the video takes a lot of charachter:) good luck hope guys win! But you already are winners, thank you for all you do!
Loved your video guys. Got your link on my facebook page and hope to get you some more votes from it. Thanks for all you do. Good luck.
Heard u guys on or about u guys on the radio so as soon as I came home went straight to d video. Love it! U guys got some nice moves. Hope my vote can help. Post it on faceBook, im getting my friends to vote for u guys too.
Love the video!!!! Heard you on Ryan Seacrest this morning!!!!
Thank you Ryan Seacrest for sharing this link! I got my laugh in this morning and RBFD you have my vote!!!
Best of luck!
you have my vote Redondo #1!
Here’s a back up plan. I think the Rachel Ray Show is where this video should go to. Checked this morning on it. Looks like you just need so mail copy of video and names of folks in video. I’d suggest Rachel do a firehouse kitchen fixup, and then do a firehouse cookoff segment on TV. I think she’d dig it! Don’t forget to include me,my idea takes off! I love to help by letting go ideas that can get people what they deserve!
Good luck on winning the new kitchen. Sounds like you really need it. Thanks for your service.
I LOVE this. I saw it on ABC7 and am now passing it to as many ppl as I can on FB and other social network outlets. GOOD LUCK GUYS!
You guys are awesome! Thanks for saving me last wed at pch and Vincent, you deserve a new kitchen- I hope you win! Rb couldn’t live without fire station #1. Nice to see you all rallied for the fun in the video, great fun.
You got my vote! Love the entry video! Keep up the good work and thanks for all you do for the city of Redondo! Love you guys!
Nice post. It came up in my reader yesterday.
This video was waaay too cute! Good Luck!
How long have you writing these blog posts? I’m surprised this is the first time I’ve discovered it.
Really hope that you guys win! Voted for you – you need new things and deserve to have them in return for what all of you do for us in the neighborhood when we need help.
voted hope u all win great video by the way
Voted, Good Luck to you all and hope for a win for the station. You all are heroes.
Loved the creative video…. You guys deserve a brand new kitchen. I will pass along the info so more people can vote for you… I’ll be voting daily for u…. Good luck…I certainly hope you win…
We are all support you ! Good luck
Omg I love your video but! You guys are so in desperate of a new facelift in your kitchen but you men rocked your dancing, next one do party rock, by lmfao the shuffle.
I saw the report on Eyewitness News 7, and loved your video. All of you firefighters deserve a new kitchen and so much more. I will pass the word around so that you may get more votes and win your dream kitchen. May God be with you.
Best of luck to you to win. But if you don’t, please contact me and I will make it happen. Firefighters are true heroes and it would be my honor to take care of the ones who take care of us when we need them 24/7/365!
I hope they do win Janet, but if not and you are able to help them out that is FANTABULOUS! Firefighters are so important, to everyone, but especially here in SoCal with all our wind and dry conditions. God Bless you for your support <3
Hi Janet, I don’t know your back~up plan, but as a former Redondo Beach resident (1970′s!) please let me know how I may assist!
They are SO deserving! Hope they win! ~R, Apple Valley,CA
I don’t reside in Redondo Beach. But do live in the South Bay. You guys are awesome! Thanks for all you do, and hope you get to enjoy a new kitchen.
Although I live all the way out here in Victorville, I want to see our SoCal neighbors get what they so badly deserve. The video you made is awesome. I hope that we can do what we have to do to help you get that new kitchen. God bless and good luck.
I hope you get your Makeover!! Thank you for all you do every day!!!!
Great Video!! I just created an event on facebook so everyone can vote and pass this on!!! Hope to get alot of votes so the station wins!! Good Luck
!!! Thank you for your service!!
So how do we see the video I just saw on ABC7 NEWS!
Thank you. I’m only one vote a day but I’ll be there to vote every day.
I’m going to rally all the local County Firefighters I know and everyone I know at work. Hopefully that will get you all a new kitchen
Good luck guys, I am rallying all 500 of the employees at my job to vote for you guys. You save lives and deserve a great kitchen! thanks for what you do.
Great video. You all deserve to win a new kitchen makeover!!!
Way to go Redondo Beach Fire Station #1. I voted for you after seeing the coverage on KABC Channel 7 and hope you win. You are creative.
I love the Video I’m gonna vote as much as I can..
Your video made my day !!!!! Wishing you guys luck !!!!
reminds me of station 51 on tv in the 70′s
Rooting for you guys. You deserve it. Go engineer Gary and crew. I grew up in Redondo and just love it there. Go REDONDO!!!
Aunt Chris Boehmke
You guys really do cook in a hopeless place! So I voted YES for you because that video made me so very sad. Not the performance but the sad sad kitchen. I will send this out to all of my naybors around Beryl so they will vote too.
Outstanding video gentlemen. You’ve got my vote for sure. I’m going to show this video in my children’s 3rd grade classroom and try to get all the parents on board in voting for you guys as well. That tall firefighter had some amazing moves; what a hunk! I hope you guys win the new kitchen; with dance moves like I saw, you’ve easily earned it.
I will gladly vote for you. Thanks for all you do to protect our city. I’ve only lived here for about three years, but I try to support local business in any way I can. I appreciate the work you and other protectors of our city do. I hope you get the votes needed so you can cook in style.
God bless you all.
Many thanks for your wonderful service.
You are the greatest, thank you for saving our home and most of our pets
Thanks from Erik and Cat on Gertruda
we love RBFD
What a blast that video was! I sure hope the firemen got paid while they were making that video! I think IKEA should definitely suspend the voting and immediately build a new kitchen for these guys.
Thank you for working hard everyday and trying your best to save lives everyday.I really hope you guys win the contest.Today at school Iwatched your video and my classmates and I tought it was really cool! To make sure you guys win I will have all my family members vote for you guys and I will do it to.So I hope you guys win. Lorraina,
Age 8
Redondo Beach, CA
I am so proud of my RBFD heroes. I lost my house in Redondo a while back and that being the case, I could use a new kitchen in a fire station so that i can make my goodies in the oven for the heroes. I vote for you because of that. And also, fantastic dance moves by the tall guy in that video.
Great job Redondo #1, we appreciate what you do in our beach community. You deserve the new kitchen.
Keep up the good work, hope you win…..
To my Southern Cal brothers!!! You got my vote with this nice little video. Good luck and hope you get the kitchen remodel. All the way from Santa Cruz County Fire Department (Company 36 – Loma Prieta Fire and Rescue) in Northern Cal.
you got my vote from okla how about your fire t shirts do you sell those be glad to buy one
I feel your pain brothers! The station I’m at right now has been hermetically sealed off and torn down to the floor joists due to mold from a leaky dishwasher…an actual HazMat in our kitchen unrelated to to the worst cook here!The lack of funding from our higher ups to maintain the places where we live and work is troublesome to say the least, GOOD LUCK with the adventure! PS..Hi David B.;)
I posted your YOUTUBE video and the link where everyone can vote on my facebook page. I hope you Redondo Beach Fire Fighters win your new kitchen. My son is on the path to becoming a firefighter, and all of you remind me of him, and it made me want to help. Good Luck!! And WHEN you win, post pictures somewhere so we can all see how your new kitchen turned out!!
When you win this new Kitchen you owe us all lunch but no biggie there are only 34,000 of us so far… LOL
I grew up near you guys and have even visited your station, thank you guys for all that you do!!! You inspire me everyday with all the challenges that you have to go through. Get that kitchen! I’ll get my friends to vote!
Keep it up <3
OMGGGG!!! i saw this on the news and I was like WOAHHHHH i walk by that fire house all the time cuz i live on the same streettttttt!!!! GO REEEDDONNNDOOOOO!!!
I hope you guys win this contest. This station is so old.
Best of luck from (former) Chief Jim Black’s daughters.
Hope you guys win this contest. Best of luck from Chief Black’s daughters.
I run Upper Class Detail service and I know many of the fire fighters in redondo beach.You men an women truly are the best and deserve better. I am doing my part by getting this great video out to all my contacts.Keep up the good work.You have my vote !
love all of you, your kindness over the years towards my mom at Casa de los Amigos…I have been fortunate to have had dinner there in your kitchen, twice, but always too busy “admiring” all of you to see the condition of the kitchen, but you all deserve this, so I hope you are the winners!!
Times like this I wish I had money. But as a Korean vet & retired teacher I don’t. I will get your situation and my plea to my friends. Good luck, brudda’s.
Pediatric IOs in Femurs?!? Must’ve missed that CE. Thanks for the update Chief!
Keep on dancing. Great video, but I think Yonkers kitchen speaks for itself.
I’m a Redondo Beach native and your fire station is the closest one to where I currently live. You all have given a lot to our community and I am happy to give back in some small way with my vote and spreading the word!
Great video guys, good luck we are trying to get the word out. RUHS Class of 61
Good luck, guys! First Light Property Management is in full support!
Got your back brothers. Good luck and shame on the city for not fixing it sooner! A NC FF.
“THE BROTHERS” from Engine Co.306 YFD want to salute you on your outstanding YOUTUBE VIDEO. Great idea & concept our hats go off to you. You can view any of our “jobs” on youtube also. We wish you the best of luck & stay safe…#1…..10-4K….
Vote early, vote often! Post it on your facebook..
Thanks for all you do!
u guys got a a vote from a carpenter 2361 im out of work e mail me u guys need help
Although I’m 2000 miles away the Redondo Beach Fire Dept still gets my vote!! Good Luck Guys!
GO GO REDONDO!! I have recently located to HAVASU but a native RB girl and kudos to the #1 Fire Station you deserve it all!! You have always been awesome quick responders and there when we needed you.
I really hope you guys get this…our first responders deserve nothing but the best! Good luck guys!
Woooo RBFD!!
I don’t live in the area, but I know of the remarkable work they do. Good Luck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhObsy1ZywY&context=C3be21deADOEgsToPDskIxKkRAaeRM2Ih7zGbXHf1_
You deserve a nice kitchen..You have my vote!!
You deserve a nice kitchen…You have my vote…
GOOD LUCK!!
You “life saving professionals” deserve a great new kitchen to cook in. You get my vote!
I am appalled you guys have such an old kitchen. I am a south bay girl now living in Washington State. You guys were always quick to respond when someone needed help. I’m hoping you win and get a nice new kitchen. I will pass this on to all my fellow ruhs fb buddies. Good luck!
You got my vote …you definitely need a new kitchen!
So of my best law enforcement memories were spent in the kitchen with RBFD…you guys deserve a new kitchen! Teewted and posted to FB!
Check out RBFD YouTube Video. And let’s get these guys a new kitchen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhObsy1ZywY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
love you guys and hope you win….don’t forget to invite me over for dinner:)
Yay Redondo Beach Fire men. Your the Best. We All support You. Hope all works out for You. Thank-you for Your Service!!!!!!!
Go Redondo Beach!!
Good Luck! From your friends at Blue Shield of California.
We are here to support the firemen @ Redondo Beach.
Thanks.
Good luck fellas. Make sure it’s comtemporary!
You guys are fabulous. I think this is a great idea, and will pass the word. Thanks!
awesome so many appreciate you all like I do, but let’s continue to vote, EVERY DAY, so that they will have a real chance of winning. YOu all rock!! STATION #2 and the harbor folks as well!!
I am appaled that you have to live under these circumstances in your kitchen. I hope the living quarters are in better shape.
I wish you 1000 votes for a successful contest.
Thanks for being here.God Bless You and keep you safe.
These firefighters give back to their community in so many ways, above and beyond their job responsibilities. It would bring us all great joy to see them get something in return because they deserve it.
Good luck!
Thanks for all you do for us, you guys ROCK & truly deserve this. You have my vote & support. Good luck….go Redondo!
Thanks for all you do. Good luck!!!I hope you win.
-Ivy, ESFD
Will vote every day for you.
Also will pass word along to Orange County Fire Authority.
Good luck!
hope this counts as a vote.
I know all Firefighters put their life in their hands when fighting fires Bless you all. I hope you win.
Thanks to all of you firefighters. I live in an area that gets those brush fires and so appreciate all of you who come from different areas to help us out. God bless you all.
Thank you, for always giving your best. Good luck, I really hope you guys win this! You’ve got my vote and my support –really love you guys!
These firefighters put their lives on the line everyday! This department is in desperate need of a new kitchen! I will vote every single day!! I hope they win!! Good luck Redondo Beach!!
We voted!! I hope you wonderful people WIN!!
Happy to give my support and pass the word. Thanks for all you do!
I live in Santa Clarita and know how hard all of you GREAT FIREFIGHTERS do day in and day out. Here’s to R.B. Sta. #1. GOOD LUCK GUYS AND GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU…. Hope you WIN! or one of our many millionairs comes forth with a BIG donation. You GUYS deserve the BEST. All of our Firefighters do.
Thanks for all you great people do for all of us. You put your life out there to saves the lives of others and are such a caring group of special people.
Good luck to you all.
Virginia
Good luck.
Between the Redondo Beach Fire Department and the Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol, there is not a more talented, wonderful, loving, hardworking and deserving group of people that deserve this. I have the privlege to work with these folks daily and believe me – they are the best of the best.
Sincerely, Leslie Page
RBFD rescued my three year old son and I when our Catalina Avenue apartment elevator broke down (as it often did). They reassured him that they would always come to help, whenever he needed them. I can’t tell you what a difference that made to us both. You deserve a new kitchen and more!
Happy to support these guys! Go Redondo Beach!
I used to live in Redondo Beach – back in the day when the Princess Louise was in the Harbor there. I was a hostess on the ship.
I met my first friend there after moving to Calli from Kansas. Now, she is the CEO for the Chamber of Commerce in Redondo, Marna Smeltzer! My heart is still in Redondo and
maybe one of these days we will mmove back from San Antonio. But until then , you got my vote! You guys rock!
Good luck guys!
Myra
in San Antonio, Tx
I no longer live in Redondo Beach – we moved in 2010 after living on Lucia Ave for 17 yrs and prior to that all over Redondo Beach, including the Marina at Port Royal Marina. Without a doubt, the RBFD is the best they really are. The house next door caught fire and BOY, they were right on it. They are quick. Redondo Beach has been through a lot throughout the years due to natural disasters and the fire dept was right there. Our pier caught fire – very dangerous and they got on it quick. Many storms hit Redondo Beach hard… They are a good group and deserve this upgrade. I always had a lot of respect for these men/women as well as the PD. I’m going to keep spreading the word – I would like to see you guys win this. Best regards, Kathy
They are the bestest & fastest! Always there when we need them…Thanks!
Thank you for caring for us. I’ll be here every day to vote.
I vote for all heroes to be assisted in whatever way is necessary. Where would be without them….