Los Angeles County Bomberos

The Los Angeles County Bomberos Association, formed in 1988, continues their tradition of meeting the needs of the under-served. It is a non-profit organization of firefighters dedicated to improve the quality of emergency response to less fortunate fire departments all around the world. Whether it is mentoring and providing scholarships to individuals interested in the fire service profession, or traveling out of the country, as far away as Mexico, Central America, and the Philippines to deliver much needed donations of fire apparatus and response equipment, the group has taken on many challenges over the years.

The inception of the Bomberos program began in the 1960s with the involvement of the California Fire Chiefs Association. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Keith Klinger asked Los Angeles County training captains to join other counties throughout the state to establish a weeklong training program in San Diego for firefighters from several other countries. From this first endeavor and the influence of the California Fire Chiefs Association’s program, the Los Angeles County firefighters created their own affiliated organization named as the Los Angeles County Bomberos Association.

Over the past 40 years, the Bomberos’ proud tradition of assisting other international fire departments has continued, with countless contributions of equipment, training and camaraderie. Interestingly, many have mistakenly believed over the years that the Bomberos organization was actually an organization of Hispanic firefighters.  In reality, the Bomberos welcome members from all races, the only requirement is the desire to help others who are less fortunate and hold an interest in the Fire Service.

In 2004, the Bomberos traveled to Rosarito to deliver equipment and provide training to lifeguards and firefighters of the Playas de Rosarito Beach Fire Department. Some of the items donated included an ambulance, vehicle extrication tools (JAWS of Life), fire protection equipment and forcible entry tools.

The Bomberos also traveled to Aguas Calientes, Mexico, joining the City of Commerce on a goodwill visit to their sister city, in support of the local fire department. In December 2004, the Bomberos Association joined Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe and Norwalk Mayor Cheri Kelley, in presenting Counsel General Ricardo Gonzales of Costa Rica with an ambulance for their department.