Orange County Fire Services Association

Big John made appearance at the Balboa Parade today with our Board Member. Big John was a great hit

The Winter 2024 Edition of the Orange County Firefighter Magazine. Highlighting Orange City Fire Department.

Big John 2 was invited to a car, plane, and fire truck show at the Corona airport. Kids loved the rig

With great sadness, we have lost another legendary firefighter, retired Assistant Chief George Toussaint. George spent many years working for Orange County Fire Department as a Division Chief, and retired as an Assistant Chief for CDF/ Cal Fire in San Diego County. RIP George

Blast from the past. The dedication of the first Big John. To fulfill the wishes of Monsignor Sammon to have a talking fire engine that educated children in the area fire safety and prevention.

L to R. Randy Marsile, unk, Supervisor Rodger Stanton, Ray Marsile, Tom Metcalfe, Rick Riley, Monsignor Sammon, Ken Macleod, Cliff Bramlette

I just learned the Chief Bill Edmundson passed away on February 13th. Chief Edmundson was a chief officer with Buena Park Fire, after the merger of Buena Park Fire into Orange County Fire he was a Battalion Chief, and I worked for him in Battalion 2 until he left to take the job as the Fire Chief of Laguna Beach. Bill also taught at Santa Ana College Fire Science and the Fire Academy. Bill was a good man and he will be missed. RIP Bill

On December 9th the Orange County Fire Services Association put on their Annual “Shop with a Firefighter” event at the Anaheim Walmart. Several teenage children from the Orangewood Home came out for lunch and shopping with a Firefighter. Special Thanks to the Reserve Firefighters from OCFA Station 10 and the Bramm Bros for their ongoing support, and the wives and families that came out to help, and to Walmart for their ongoing support to this annual event. Great day for everyone!

The Fall Magazine is out. Highlighting Fullerton Fire and their 115 years of service. Thanks to Chief Adam Loeser and Jon Fugitt for this article.

If you want a magazine on quarterly basis send $15 dollars to Orange County Fire Services Association at 2914 E Katella Ave Ave Suite 210 Orange Ca. 92867

Orange County Fire Services Associations Big John 1 participated in the Villa Park Christmas Parade again this year.

Last night the Orange County Fire Services Association participated with the California Fire Museum and the Bramm Bros and many other volunteers to help Orange County Fire Authority Station 10 have another successful year collecting food for the local food banks.

Orange County Fire Services Association Annual Meeting and Dinner December 3rd 2023. LtoR Randy Marsile, Mickey Hansen, Tom Metcalfe, Dick Jorgensen, Sam Winner

Big John 2 did the Santa Tour yesterday in the city of Villa Park assisting the City of Villa Park and OCFA. Thanks to Steve Palmer for taking his Saturday to help out.

Last Night Big John 2 brought Santa to the Annual Mission Viejo Christmas Tree lighting. Thousands of children with their parents enjoyed the evening with Santa. Had Linda and Jonel the Elves helping.

Big John 2 just got out the paint shop. Looks great, and it’s ready for Christmas programs starting next week:

11/26 Big John 2 City Mission Viejo Santa Delivery Christmas light lighting.
12/2 Big John 2 City of Villa Park Santa Tour
12/9 Big John 1 and 2 “Shopping with a Firefighter” Walmart Anaheim. Children from Orangewood Home
12/9 Big John 1 Maybury Ranch Christmas Parade
12/10 Big John 2 Yorba Linda Food Drive Parade
12/10 Big John 1 Villa Park Christmas Boat Parade

Today October 10, 2023. The Orange County Fire Services Association and Orange County Fire Chiefs Association did our Annual Firefighter Memorial at the Firefighter Monument at Irvine Regional Park.

Pictures from yesterday’s Service for Chief Ronny Coleman. Orange County Fire Services Association was in attendance and to help California Fire Museum/ Safety Learning Center deliver Ronny’s pride and joy 1928 America La France engine. Marie Coleman got her picture taken on their rig they donated to CFM/SLC. RIP Ronny Coleman.

The official notification for the services for Chief Ronny Coleman

Rest in Piece Chief Coleman. You will be dearly missed. You taught us all what leadership truly is. Condolences to family and friends.

Ron "Ronny" Coleman, SAC
State Fire Marshal, Ret.
September 19, 2023

From: Berlant, Daniel@CALFIRE
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2023 10:36 AM
Subject: Passing of Former State Fire Marshal Ronny J. Coleman

Team - It is with great sadness that the Coleman family has shared that Chief Ronny J. Coleman, State Fire Marshal (Ret.), passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento.

Chief Coleman was a 50-plus year veteran of the fire service. Following his service and leadership as the Fire Chief in San Clemente, California, and the Fire Chief in Fullerton, California, he was appointed as California State Fire Marshal from 1992 to 2000 by Governor Pete Wilson. Chief Coleman was the past President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and has been a member and leader of numerous fire service committees and associations. He has given us all an incredible legacy with his dedication to our training and education. He championed the California State Fire Training system both as the Division Chief and has the Chairperson of the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee. He has authored more than 19books and was influential within our industry as an advisor, leader, mentor, and friend.

Chief Coleman is survived by his wife, Marie, his son Chris Coleman (North Carolina), his daughter Lisa Coleman (Colorado), and their families. A local (Northern California) tribute to Chief Coleman will be hosted in Elk Grove in the coming week. Funeral services will follow in San Clemente, with a date to be announced. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to National Heritage Fire Museum or the California Fire Museum & Safety Learning Center.

The Colemans are requesting privacy at this time. Please contact their family liaison, Chris Fowler, at [email protected] with any urgent inquires.

Condolence cards may be sent to:
Mrs. Marie Coleman
c/o Chris Fowler
P.O. Box 661114
Sacramento, CA 95866

The latest Orange County Firefighter Magazine. Highlighting the Wildland Operations at Orange County Fire Authority. Also article about the California Fire Museum/ Safety Learning Center.

Orange County Fire Services Association helped out with the California Fire Museum/ Safety Learning Center with their major move from Hangar 606 to 296 at the Great Park, and closer to the realization of a fire museum and learning center adjacent to the Flying Leatherneck Museum at the Irvine Great Park.

The California Fire Museum / Safety Learning Center needs members with special skills engine/ electrical / brakes/ upholstery/ paint and wax/ putting together displays/ communication/ computer skills/ etc… and really want to get involved with a worthwhile organization. Email me at [email protected]

Orange County Fire Services Association continues to provide financial support along with support from the Board to the California Fire Museum/ Safety Learning Center. We are currently helping with the move from Hangar 606 to Hangar 296 at the Great Park. Lots of hard work from all those who have volunteered to help.

Tommy Thompson’s Service at Fullerton Free Church.

Yesterday, “Big John” and all it’s gear had a spa day. Getting ready for Tommy Thompson’s Memorial. Tommy loved Crowns !

Yesterday’s Dignity Precession for Fullerton Fire Department’s Firefighter and Fire Prevention Officer Tommy Thompson (retired) Fullerton’s 1962 Crown that was restored with Tommy’s help.

Tommy Thompson News Release

Today we lost a legend in the fire service, Tommy Thompson from Fullerton Fire one of the best Fire Prevention Officers ever. I have known Tommy since he owned a Crown Bus Company called Thompson Transport back in the 60s Tommy was a great resource in anything fire code related, or Crown Bus and Crown Firecoach related.

Tommy seen in this picture was an early member of the CSFA Steamer Team with Dave and Barb Hubert, and was the leader of the Fullerton Fire Retirees Association. I am sad because I will not see Tommy again in this life but hopefully when I get to heaven we will meet again. RIP Tommy

Urgent Request ! The California Fire Museum/ Safety Learning Center needs help. They have a storage hangar at the Irvine Great Park. They have been notified by the City of Irvine that they need to vacate that facility by June 1st 2023. They are looking for temporary indoor storage 15k sq feet for the vintage collection of vehicles and equipment till late fall 2023. Please let me know if you know of any building in Orange County that can be used for this collection. The California Fire Museum will provide insurance and security.

My number is 714 336 0229

Randy Marsile

Big John 1 for the second year was on hand at the Silverado Firefighters 67 Annual Easter Pancake Breakfast. Orange County Fire Services Association, and the California Fire Museum/ Safety Learning Center provided the historical engine with member Steve Palmer driving the rig to the event. The adults and kids loved Big John.

The latest copy of the Orange County Firefighter Magazine is out. This issue highlights the California Fire Museum/Safety Learning Center that OCFSA Supports financially and by working together on programs that are beneficial to the fire service.

Jerry Hunter former Fire Chief of Stanton Fire Department and Division Chief from Orange County Fire Authority passed away this week. Jerry was a great leader and a family man. RIP