REAL FIRESTONE MEN (RFM)

Art Fransen, LASD Retired

RFM didn’t necessarily have to be assigned to FPK to be RFM.

RFM rode in the field rather than seeking assignment on the desk.

RFM have more than a meager one-year patrol experience as a Deputy.

RFM remained at FPK and eventually “raised” other RFM.

RFM always ack’ed their calls, even when 10-15 with multiple arrests.

RFM come in all races, shapes, sizes and creeds.

RFM demonstrated courage; honor, respect, integrity and ethics, not just speak of it.

RFM evaluated and considered both or all sides of a story.

RFM knew how to make an 836.3

RFM’s “hue and cry” was “back–up” and “all for one and one for all.”

RFM rode their “steed” hard in order to be there for those in need.

RFM could look in the eye of another and recognize a RFM.

RFM after their regular shift on a “hot” night, would on his off time, jump in the car of other RFM just to be there for them.

RFM recognized that proving innocence was just as important as proving guilt.

RFM risked their life for people of all colors.

RFM unlike some others, recognized that when RFM worked FPK, an area with the highest crime stats, that RFM would understandably have a higher incidences of force cases and subsequent supervisory review.

RFM would reside as far as Malibu or Alta Loma and for years still commute to FPK just to be with other RFM.

RFM pursued excellence rather than rank.

RFM will never forget “who brought them to the dance.”

RFM recognized “real leaders” among their ranks.

RFM don’t ask, they just do.

RFM recognized that FPK’s strength came from FPK’s foundation of RFM.

RFM when given a choice to work any LASD station of their choice tonight said, “Lets go to FPK tonight!”

RFM challenged the process, not to criticize, but to make it better.

RFM didn’t believe it was a weakness to ask for help.

Even some ladies were RFM.

RFM know in their heart that they are RFM.

RFM when in attendance at a funeral for a RFM will be polite to all but RFM would rather stand and grieve next to a RFM.

RFM daily reinvented their work.

RFM were “gung ho” and constantly reached for higher goals.

RFM knew that the best analysis of a crisis rested with those who had been in the heat of the battle rather than the second-guessing administrative “kissies” in the rear.

RFM never get angry or judgmental at others for things they have done themselves.

RFM were fun to be with.

RFM didn’t necessarily have to be assigned to FPK to be RFM

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt

I am honored, blessed, and treasure the memories I enjoy having been in the company of RFM. (Art 2002)