In Memory
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LAFIRE.COM
In Memory
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MIKE McCOMB Mike McComb, husband, father, grandfather, son,
brother, and friend! Mike McComb; firefighter! Mike was
all of these--and much more. Mike was a kind and gentle man
dedicated to family and job. Skilled in firefighting as he was
in family matters, Mike leaves a great void in the many lives he
touched along the way to March 23, 1998. |
| Mike, Mikie, Pug,
Grandpug, Mac, Icabod or whatever name you
remember Mike McComb by, we will all miss him. I only knew
Mikie for six and a half years, but in that time we became great
friends. He was the kind of guy that never knew a stranger,
and a man I was privileged to call my friend. Fire station 90 was an assignment Mike hoped to get because of his interest in helicopters. The opportunity finally came for him to primary in, but he let his friend Sam Mundt put in for it because Mike had promised (Captain) Dick Alder he would stay at 2's until Dick retired. When Mike finally made it to 90's he wanted to learn everything about this special place. He loved to fly and his goal was to become Heli-Tac certified. At every opportunity, he worked toward his goal, always striving for perfection, wanting to train every day. He set high standards for himself and became impatient if he thought he hadn't met them. It didn't take long for mike to become a member of the 90's family. Heli-Tac training is a great memory, but we also enjoyed ski trips, handball, games, volleyball and Greek theater outings. Then there is the everyday routine things that come to mind; having to close his locker to get to mine, or pushing the chair from in front of my locker with him still in it as he read about UFO's, aliens, the stock market, or listening to his claims that Aloe cures all. Then there is that special little Indian healing stone he carried in his pocket that helped relieve stress, give inner peace and balance. Like clockwork every morning, Mike came into the kitchen to make his favorite and only breakfast of toast, peanut butter, banana and honey, wrapped in a paper towel, but fist he offered coffee to anyone with an empty cup. And when Mike cooked dinner you could always count on his "Red Hot" chili verde that made everyone's forehead bead-up with perspiration. A day didn't go by without Mike spending time on his rig. He was always the last driver putting that final little touch on his rig long after everyone else had stopped. No matter how much polishing he did, on the day of inspection he was always worried the Chief would find a drop of grease where it shouldn't be. Mike loved his family first, his job second, and was developing another passion for soaring. Mike, we all know where you are now, soaring with a permanent pair of wings. Watching over the loved ones that meant the world to you. by Glen Prine |
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ERIC REINER Eric Reiner chose to take the high road in
life. As a United Stated Army Ranger he defended his
country. As a Los Angeles City Paramedic he chose to save
lies, in spite of the danger. Most importantly, as a devoted
husband and father, he dedicated his heart, mind an soul to loving
his family. |
MICHAEL A. BUTLER As a child Michael A. Butler knew he wanted to help
people. At the age of 21 he realized his dream of becoming a
paramedic with the LAFD. |
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| Eric's journey in the life of our family has
come to an end, but the continuation of his life with our Lord had
just begun. Eric Reiner chose to take the high road in life. Form the very beginning his concern for others shined through as he pulled a woman free from an accident while on his fist date with Lisa, his wife. As a United States Army Ranger, he defended his country. Eric joined the military in 1983 and was dedicated to serving our country for three years. Always focused, serving in the military inspired him to continue serving our society. As a Los Angeles City Paramedic, he chose to save lives, in spite of the danger. Eric was an individual who always put the life he was trying to save before his own. This was clearly evident in how he lived and finally, in how he died. He was so strong, mentally, physically, and spiritually, that he was able to put these lives ahead of his own. It was second nature and a way of life for him, which he shared with his partner, Michael Butler, who was another strong individual. Both as the "Dream Team" were able to save so many lives and touch so many hearts. They were beautiful in action and seemed tireless when working. Their focus was encouragement to all that worked with them and a comfort to those they assisted. Their dedication to their oath will always live on. Most importantly, as a devoted husband and father, Eric dedicated his heart, mind, and soul to loving his family. He loved them so much that he was an inspiration to all who knew him and was a precious gift from God. All close to Eric could always rely on his strength. In life he touched so many people, in death he will touch countless more. We know god has a special plan in allowing his time on earth to be so brief. Eric Reiner chose to take the high road in life and walk with our Lord. He was a warrior who stood for what he believed in and sought the perfection of the warrior spirit. Quite simply, he was a life-giver, committed to saving lives and following the Lord. Eric once said, "If I die tomorrow, I want everyone to remember that I walked the walk. I want to die an honorable death, the death of someone who was on the path." Eric lives on in his beautiful wife, Lisa and four wonderful children, Nicholas, Jessica, Marissa, and Lucas. His soul is free from his body, free from our earthly constraints and he is raised up on eagles' wings, shining like the sun in heaven with our Savior! Remember, character survives. Goodness lives. Love is forever! |
Michael Andrew Butler was not only a
Firefighter Paramedic, he was a devoted family man, caring friend
and loving husband. Michael became a Paramedic at the age of 21, becoming the youngest Paramedic hired at the time. In his 13 years with the Los Angeles City Fire Department he served the communities of Midtown, South Central, Van Nuys, Downtown Silverlake and Arleta. As a Paramedic, Michael enjoyed meeting with many different people, especially children. He liked to provide help and comfort whenever he was called upon, but sometimes tragedy made him value life more than ever. At Fire Station 68, Michael became partners with Firefighter Paramedic Eric Reiner. This partnership continued on at stations 57, 55, and 81, and became an enduring friendship of 9 years. In his spare time, Michael enjoyed outdoor activities and music. On weekends he played music as a disc jockey, Michael's family and friends were his priority. As the oldest child of Bill and Jennie Butler, Michael showed his devotion to his parents, his sister, Stephanie, and brother, Daniel, through phone calls, cards and visits. Michael loved children and as an Uncle, he showered his nieces, and nephews with gifts. The most important gift he gave them, though, was the gift of time. He took them to sports games, amusement parks, movies, and many other places. Michael was also considerate to his many friends, always remembering birthdays and special occasions. He was always willing to drop all to help a friend in need. In 1993, Michael met Maria Alejandre on a blind date (arranged by Eric's sister-in-law, Christina). "M&M," as they were known, became inseparable and were married September 1996. Michael was devoted to making Maria happy. He constantly put her needs above his and enjoyed spending every minute of his free time with her. Their dream of having a family was realized on Christmas 1997 when Maria told Michael she was pregnant. He was joyfully anticipating fatherhood and the couple purchased a new house in January 1998 to plan for their new family. On March 23rd, Michael was helping a child in need and was killed in the line of duty. He died doing a job he loved, with his friend and partner, Eric, by his side. Michael Butler will be missed by his wife, Maria, family, and many friends. |
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