Los Angeles County Probation Department Hosts Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony Commemorating the 58th Anniversary of the Loss of Probation Fire Crew 4-4 and LA County Fire Department Specialist George Thomas

AZUSA, Calif. — Today, the Los Angeles County Probation Department honored the lives and legacy of eight members of Probation Fire Crew 4-4 who made the ultimate sacrifice 58 years ago while battling the 1968 Encanto “Canyon” Fire.

The Department hosted a memorial wreath laying ceremony at Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 97 in Azusa, near the site where the crew lost their lives on August 23, 1968. The ceremony brought together representatives from the Los Angeles County Probation Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, veterans, and community guests to remember the fallen heroes and recognize their enduring legacy of courage, service, and sacrifice to Los Angeles County.

The eight individuals honored were Los Angeles County Fire Specialist George Thomas and Probation Fire Crew 4-4 members Gregory Banks, Duane Battle, Larry Carlin, Arthur Mendible, Robert Rivera, William Rodriguez, and Earl Walzer. The seven Probation Fire Crew members were youth in the care of the Los Angeles County Probation Department who served as part of the Department’s fire crew program. Their courage and commitment to serving their community left a legacy that continues to be honored nearly six decades later.

Probation Deputy Director Darren Arakawa, Assistant Fire Chief Steve Cabrera, and special guest Don Meredith shared remarks reflecting on the lives, service, and sacrifice of the fallen crew members.

“We honor the courage and selflessness of these seven youth and one man who gave their lives serving Los Angeles County,” said Deputy Director Darren Arakawa. “As former Probation youth and Firemen Specialist, their service and sacrifice hold a special significance for our department. We are committed to honoring their legacy and ensuring they are never forgotten.”

The solemn ceremony concluded with the Los Angeles County Probation Department Honor Guard placing a memorial wreath beside the memorial plaque. Uniformed personnel and veterans stood at attention and saluted as Taps was played in remembrance.

On August 23, 1968, the eight members of Fire Crew 4-4 perished while battling the Encanto “Canyon” Fire, which burned more than 19,000 acres across the foothills north of Glendora, Azusa, Duarte, and Monrovia. The crew lost their lives near the present-day site of Fire Station 97, where a public memorial now stands in their honor.

Their names were spoken. Their service was remembered. Their sacrifice was honored. We will never forget them.

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