Fire Stations Los Angeles County

County and city officials Wednesday dedicated a new county fire station, saying the state-of-the art facility will reduce response time to local emergencies. Industry Mayor Dave Winn, aided by county Fire Chief P. Michael, sliced the ribbon in ceremonies complete with gleaming firetrucks and attended by more than 125 residents, firefighters and officials.

County and city officials Wednesday dedicated a new county fire station, saying the state-of-the art facility will reduce response time to local emergencies. Industry Mayor Dave Winn, aided by county Fire Chief P. Michael, sliced the ribbon in ceremonies complete with gleaming firetrucks and attended by more than 125 residents, firefighters and officials.

Authorities are investigating the reported embezzlement of at least $145,000 from the Los Angeles County Fire Department over a year or more, The Times has learned. The probe is being conducted by investigators from the county's chief administrative office, the auditor-controller's office and the forgery-fraud detail of the Sheriff's Department. No charges have been filed, but the prime suspect under investigation is a Fire Department accountant, according to court documents filed in the case.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has listed 11 San Gabriel Valley fire stations and four paramedic units for closure if Gov. Pete Wilson's proposed state budget is approved. Fire stations in Glendora, Azusa, Claremont, City of Industry, Altadena, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Rosemead and Irwindale are targeted, and two of Walnut's three stations would close, County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said Tuesday. Paramedic squads would be cut for Glendora, La Puente, Walnut and Altadena.