BATTALION 14 News & Information

It's always nice to have visitors at the Fire Station and today two very special visitors dropped by Fire Station 98 in Battalion 12. The two young girls (above) that were rescued by the members of 98s from the waters of the Pacoima Flood Control Channel (see story below) surprised their rescuers with cookies and home made "Thank You" cards today.

Much drier and warmer than when last seen, the two happy girls, along with family members, toured the station and chatted with the members who saved their lives. Knowing that the incident could have resulted in a tragedy there were smiles all around on what was an unexpected and very happy occasion.

The girls had traveled over 3 miles in the 20 mph current before being rescued and knew the gravity of their situation. Battalion 12 Chief Mike Bowman stated "The girls told me that they thought they were going to die, were swallowing water and were losing strength from the cold. They were so happy that our members were there to rescue them." Chief Bowman also remarked "I am so proud of our crew. It was like everything was in alignment. Engine 98 did everything perfect and if they hadn't it would have been a much different outcome".

Division 3 "A" Platoon Assistant Chief Tony Varela acted as the Incident Commander during the rescue out of the Division 3 Headquarters. Following the rescue Chief Varela visited the rescue site and spoke with the members of Fire Station 98. Chief Varela commented that "It's because of the quick actions, knowledge and experience of the members of 98s that the girls are alive today".