Crime & Safety
Los Angeles, CA Firefighter Remembered 56 Years After Fatal Fire
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Fire Department is honoring the life and sacrifice of Firefighter Donald J. Romps Friday, 56 years after he died in the
By Country Herald Consumer Safety Desk · 2026-09-11T15:25:10.080Z
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Fire Department is honoring the life and sacrifice of Firefighter Donald J. Romps Friday, 56 years after he died in the line of duty while battling a commercial building fire in Downtown Los Angeles.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, Romps responded with fellow firefighters to a greater alarm fire at 857 S. San Pedro St. on Sept. 11, 1970.
Romps was operating inside the smoke filled commercial building when conditions deteriorated and he became overcome.
Fellow firefighters made extraordinary efforts to reach Romps and bring him to safety, putting themselves at significant personal risk in an attempt to save him, the department said. Romps ultimately lost his life in the incident.
Born Jan. 12, 1940, in Chicago, Romps joined the Los Angeles Fire Department on May 12, 1962.
During eight years with the department, he served in numerous assignments across Los Angeles and ultimately worked at Fire Station 30.
On Friday, LAFD marked the anniversary by remembering both Romps& 39; death and his years of public service before the fatal fire.
"More than five decades later, we remember Fireman Donald J. Romps not only for how he died, but for the life of service that came before it," the department said in its memorial.
LAFD also recognized the family, friends and firefighters who have carried Romps& 39; memory forward through the decades.
The department said the anniversary serves as an opportunity to ensure his service and sacrifice are never forgotten.