LAFD: 23rd Anniversary of the March 8, 1998 Line-of-Duty Death of Captain Joseph Dupee | Mar 8, 2021

March 8, 2021 - On this 23rd anniversary of his passing, the Los Angeles Fire Department's In-Service Training Section is proud to present this documentary-style tribute honoring and remembering the life of Engine 57 Captain I Joseph Dupee, who was killed in the line of duty.
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We strongly encourage members of the fire service to watch the entire video. You'll find lessons learned highlighted at the 22:07 mark, and a summation with more public-oriented content at 29:28
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On March 8th, 1998 at 2 20 AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a major emergency commercial structure fire at 5972 South Western Avenue. Captain Dupee ultimately became lost and separated from his crew which contributed to his death.
In this video, Captain Craig Poulson gives his account and remembrance of the events that day leading to the ultimate sacrifice of Captain Dupee. Furthermore, he discusses living through a “MayDay”, lessons learned, personal accountability, and examples of significant advancements within the LAFD operations.
The intent of this story is to honor our fallen and reinforce the LAFD’s Culture of Safety. The only way to honor our fallen is to learn from the sacrifice that they made in the hopes of not repeating the cycle.
This video provides a powerful message on the importance of conducting a proper risk assessment at emergency incidents. It reinforces the importance of having a plan in everything we do and is in alignment with the motto “Train as if your life depends on it…. because it does”.
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Additional Information about Captain Dupee and the incident:
lafire.com/last...
NIOSH Report:
www.cdc.gov/ni...
G-R-A-B-L-I-V-E-S:
www.lacitychie...

[@yonisamber8169]

This was LA citys' first LODD after many years of safety, despite many major incidents.
We were still in a daze when Fire 3 went down several weeks later in Griffith Park, claiming three rescuers and their young patient.
God Bless these Men and Women.

[@rickchaidez5711]

Yes, I work with Michael McComb, I remember his last shift at f.s 2 C shift before he got promote to fire 3. R.I.P

[@patrickshanley4466]

I was one of the investigators on “Joe’s fire”. I will never forget. R.I.P. Joe

[@1f5sda]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@WLAs_Finest3x]

I thought Captain Dupee was truck Captain at station 26. I was an explorer at 26's on the C shift, when now Chief Terrazas was a truck captain II there. I remember seeing this on the news the next day after it happened. What took so long for truck 33 and 66's to ventilate the roof? I know they had a hell of a time getting in through the front entrance, and commercial buildings here in the city of L.A. are fortresses!, having to saw through those steel security doors, bars, etc. Captain Poulson said it took them 10 minutes! Wtf! Now that I think about it, I think I remember Captain Dupee was subbing in for an engine captain at 26's one night. I swear I think it was him I was talking to. He was exercising on an exercise bike on the apparatus floor and us explorers just finished up a training exercise, I think we were simulating the halyard pull with 80 lbs of weights on the hose tower, but if that was captain Dupee I was taking to, and I really think it was him, he pulled me to the side and just talked to me about the job, why did I choose the fire service as a career, if I had any relatives or knew anyone on the dept. He gave me some very good advice and tips on how to succeed and prepare for the written and oral exams, just a really good man, all while exercising on that bike! R.I.H. Captain Joe and beloved uncle and Engineer Stewart Premmer, Task Force 58's West L.A.! I can't believe it's been 23 years already.

[@azff]

He was my neighbors brother. His sister and I had many great talks before I became a career firefighter. Rest Easy Captain.

[@freebird7719]

RIP Captain Joseph Dupee. This was very insightful although its difficult to discuss, his death may have saved many lives through constant training and lessons learned. ⛑🔥🚒🙏

[@cgas4171]

I work for the LAFD. This is an awesome video with so many points "driven home". So much to learn from this video and Capt Poulson. This video should be required training. GREAT JOB

[@teresalenaandprincessthedo4862]

Thank you so much Captain Poulson for pouring you heart out sharing your story, you are such great man, you and Captain Dupree are both heros and have saved so many firefighters lives by what happened that day. I am so sorry for your loss, I know he is an angel in heaven, thank you so much for being our greatest heros😇🔥🧡🚒🌲🌠

[@scottdore8391]

Thank you for sharing this story it doesn't matter paid or volunteer this should be shared to all members stay safe and thank you lafd

[@ROCKY-in2mg]

VERY TRUE LA City IS THE VERY BEST..,. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE' RIP CAPTAIN DUPEE 🌹🙏🌹🙏🌹

[@Paramedic772]

Thank you LAFD and Captain Paulson for sharing a very difficult story and passing on lessons to help our brothers/sisters in the fire service. Always a great admirer of the LAFD. Thank you again...

[@TheArrogantOne_]

Well done. Much respect. Thank you. Rest In Peace Captain Dupee & prayers for his family, friends, & LAFD. Sharing with my crew.

[@jimmccabe801]

I have cleaned out a locker of a fellow F.F. line of duty death. It's horrible, emotionally draining. The day of the fire death was a very dark day.
Thankyou for your honesty and dedication to going home off shift healthy and happy for all FF'S.

[@tower1241]

Juist Wanna say, great interview. I’m impressed by the story, we really can learn something from it. I share the link with my colleagues here in Belgium.
Greetings,
A Belgium firefighter

[@pigjubby1]

This should be required viewing for all recruits, everywhere. Well done. Very articulate man. Thank you for the testimony and for sharing a difficult period in all your lives.

[@maxhengst2252]

I have always been impressed with Polson. Glad we didn't lose him that night!