LAFD Task Force 94 Crew Fabricates Replacement Wheelchair Ramp For Local Resident
Setting: Outside a residential home, framed by a concrete walkway, security bars over the front windows, and exterior doorway lighting.
Key Details: In the foreground, a newly constructed plywood ramp covers the steps leading into the entryway. Firefighters kneeling in the front row hold construction tools used to build the ramp, including a power drill, a circular saw, and a hammer. Everyone is smiling toward the camera.
In early September, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Engine 94 responded to a public assist call in a neighboring district to assist a resident who utilizes a motorized wheelchair. Upon arrival, firefighters learned that the resident’s wheelchair ramp had recently been stolen, leaving her trapped inside her home for days and facing the daunting prospect of having to crawl up concrete entryway steps.
Recognizing the urgent need, the crew took immediate initiative to provide a lasting solution. Captain Jack Baham purchased lumber and hardware supplies from a local store, while Firefighter Adam Corcuera led members of Task Force 94 in measuring, cutting, and fabricating a custom wooden ramp at the station.
The crew returned to the residence at night to securely install the framing and plywood surface over the concrete steps. After testing the structure’s incline and stability with a motorized wheelchair to ensure safety, firefighters restored the resident's safe access and personal independence.
This effort highlights the dedication of LAFD firefighters in serving their communities beyond traditional emergency calls. The fabrication was made possible in part by power tools donated through the Los Angeles Fire Foundation, supporting operational readiness and community service across the City of Los Angeles.
More photos and videos of this project can be found here, on the LAFD Instagram Page
