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Glenn Allen had been with the Los Angeles Fire Department for 38 years and had been contemplating retirement. He died after noon today of injuries incurred while battling a house fire in the Hollywood Hills on Thursday. Mayor Villaraigosa ordered city flags lowered to half-staff. A press conference is being held now at Fire Station 3 in Hollywood. From the LAFD:
It is with great sadness that the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department inform you of the in Line of Duty Death of Los Angeles Firefighter Glenn Allen.On Wednesday February 16, 2011, at 11:19 PM ten fire companies, one heavy rescue, one USAR unit, seven rescue ambulances, seven battalion command teams, one division command team, three EMS battalion captains, and one arson unit responded to a reported structure Fire at 1546 North Viewsite Drive in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles.
While Firefighters were performing their sworn duties, a partial ceiling collapse occurred, causing injury to four Los Angeles Firefighters and two Los Angeles County Firefighters. One of the injured Los Angeles Firefighters later succumbed to his injuries at 1215 hrs on Friday, February 18, 2011 at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
As dictated by Fire Department policy, a formal and detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact nature of the cause of injuries sustained, as well as the precise cause and manner of the Firefighters death.
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 Villaraigosa: "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."
* Update: A candlelight vigil in honor of firefighter Glenn Allen will be held Thursday Feb. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Fire Station 78, located at: 4041 Whitsett Avenue in Studio City. On Friday, a walking procession will leave the south lawn of City Hall at 8:30 a.m. for the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where a memorial service is scheduled for 9:30. LAFD News and Information