25 years gone but the memories of the day helicopter Fire 3 went down, killing three LAFD members and their young patient, remain etched into the heart and soul of Your Los Angeles Fire Department.

On March 23, 1998 while transporting a critically injured 12 year old traffic collision patient to Children’s Hospital, Fire 3 developed a disastrous mechanical failure of the tail rotor system. Despite having near total loss of control, Pilot Steven Robinson expertly maneuvered the aircraft away from the homes below and subsequently crashed at an intersection near Griffith Park in the district of Fire Station 82, Battalion 5.

Three of Your LAFD members and their young patient, Norma Vides-Anaya, were killed in the crash while two additional members were seriously injured.

Today, we remember and honor their sacrifice:

Apparatus Operator Michael D. McComb

Firefighter/Paramedic Michael A. Butler

Firefighter/Paramedic Eric F. Reiner

Each year, members from Battalion 5 return to this sacred spot and provide a salute at 7:40AM, the time Fire 3 went down. They perform landscaping maintenance and polish the plaque to ensure our brothers are never forgotten. 

This year, we were specially honored to have members from FF/P Eric Reiner's family visit bringing his namesake, a newborn grandson. 

The loss and suffering endured by family and friends was deep and life-altering.  There is no better way for us to honor this day than by sharing the heart-wrenching poem written by the son of FF/P Eric Reiner, 15 year old (then) Nicholas Reiner.

The Eternal Scar

March 23rd, an ordinary day, just one to forget.
Maybe for you, but not for me, not yet.
I was changed that morning, changed in my soul and my heart,
A morning for me that will stand apart
My Dad died that day doing what he did best 
Saving lives without much rest.
The helicopter--the cradle of life had rudder failure and started to descend.
The girl in the chopper dying, my dad and others gave a hand to lend.
The aircraft was lost, my Dad lost with it.
I was thunderstruck, shocked, and utterly sad
That my life had taken this turn because of the loss of my Dad
I didn't know what to think, or say
I experienced nothing but sadness that horrible day.
I was left without a father to guide me on my way.
Left without a leader, I began to sway
Back and forth with a question I had
Why did God choose to take my Dad?
Why me, why him, why o why?
What would my life be like if he were here, alive?
How would I have been, what would I have done?
Would I have been a good or bad son?
I'll never know, because I can't change the past
This is why my memories and prayers must last
One of his favorite quotes was "Always take the high road."
Well, when I think of him I ponder this quote.
And I think that if he died to save then I can stand up and be brave
Face my fears, and take up my crosses
Accept hardship, and deal with my losses
I am scarred forever because he died
Unable to forget what is contained inside
This wound, once open and throbbing without control
Now silent, numbed, a deep meaningful hole
Eternally present, once only pain,
Now death gives way to hopeful gain
A tear, a smothered cry, anguished undenied
Find here a knowing, a caring and warmth supplied
The day is gone, the scar will stay
His courage, now mine, will lead the way.

by Nicholas Reiner, 15.