Glenn Allen, 61, had been with LAFD for 36 years, having joined in July of 1974, according to the mayor’s office. He was one year away from retirement.
Allen was part of the team that battling a blaze at 1546 N. Viewsite Drive in the Hollywood Hills just before midnight on the 16th. In addition to Allen, three other Los Angeles firefighters and two Los Angeles County firefighters were injured.
Per LAFD policy, a formal investigation is underway to determine the cause of Allen’s injuries and the circumstances surrounding his death.
“He was doing what he wanted to do. He was doing what he loved. He was serving the City of Los Angeles,” said LAFD Chief Millage Peaks. “Glenn Allen spent 36 and a half years of his life serving the City that he loves, serving the City that he lives in and serving a City that he was very proud of.”
A statement from the fire department reads:
“The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department thank you for your kind words and sentiment at this time of overwhelming sorrow and immense loss. The Allen Family and the Los Angeles Fire Department has received a tremendous outpouring of support during this difficult time. Your firefighters wish to thank you and express our deepest appreciation for all the kind words and gestures that have been provided.”
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa ordered all city flags to be lowered to half-staff in Allen’s honor.
In a statement, the mayor said, “Today, I join all Angelenos in mourning the loss of Firefighter Glenn Allen, a fearlessly committed firefighter who dedicated 36 years of his life to protecting the people of Los Angeles. Glenn was a valiant hero whose selfless sacrifice will forever be honored. This tragedy serves as a somber, yet powerful reminder that the brave men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe from harm. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Firefighter Allen and his extended family of Firefighters at LAFD.”
In a statement, Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian said, “I was deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of Glenn Allen, a brave Los Angeles city firefighter who died in the line of duty this week. This was a tragic reminder of the daily risks the heroic men and women of our Los Angeles Fire Department face and the inspiring courage they constantly exhibit. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family during their period of grief, and to all the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The entire city family shares in their grief and stands in solidarity with them.”
In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Protective League said, “Los Angeles police officers join our brethren firefighters in mourning the death of Los Angeles firefighter Glenn Allen, who died from injuries he suffered while fighting a fire on Wednesday. The death of Glenn Allen is a tragic and sad reminder of how much gratitude we owe to first responders, who routinely put their lives on the line for the public’s safety. We must remember the ultimate sacrifice Glenn selflessly gave after more than 38 years dedicated to protecting and saving the lives of Los Angeles residents. Our thoughts are with the Allen family, whose lives will be changed forever, but we hope they can take solace in knowing that Glenn was a hero and that as his extended public safety family, we will always be there to support them.”
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