Urban Search and Rescue Training Facility Named in Honor of LAFD Captain John Ruedy
First responders from across California joined members of the Los Angeles Fire Department on September 28, 2023, at the formal dedication of the John Ruedy Memorial Training Center, a regional facility focused on providing both classroom education and hands-on training in urban search and rescue specialties.
Joining Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and LAFD leadership at this special event, were members of the Ruedy family, who shared memories of LAFD Captain II John Edward Ruedy, whose expertise and passion was helping first responders in California and beyond prepare to save lives in the face of unthinkable disasters.
The 31 year LAFD veteran succumbed to duty related cancer in 2021.
The training center dedication took place on the 30th anniversary of the founding of Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 1 (CA-TF1), a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force sponsored by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The long anticipated ceremony also honored two of Captain Ruedy's close colleagues, LAFD Battalion Chief Craig White and Firefighter Jarvis Willis, who were feted for their their trailblazing accomplishments in urban search & rescue preparedness, training and response, as they jointly announced their well earned retirement from the LAFD.
