Firefighters fill downtown for Lovrien memorial service *

The streets of the Los Angeles Civic Center were filled with firefighters dressed in dark uniforms as they headed to the funeral of one of their peers, Los Angeles firefighter Brent Lovrien, who was killed last week  in an explosion while responding to a call in Westchester. Francisco Vara-Orta has the full story.

The memorial service, which will be held at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angeles, is expected to draw firefighters from across the country as well as local city leaders.

Officials warned motorists of street closures in the immediate area that will disrupt traffic until th early afternoon.

Lovrien was killed from injuries sustained in the blast as he was trying to open a door to a utility room. Firefighter Anthony J. Guzman, 48, sustained serious injuries during the explosion.

UPDATE: The memorial service began at 9:30 am.

--Jesus Sanchez

Photo:  Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[ExSinger]

Lovrien and Guzman were firefighters in our Westchester fire station #5. My kids and wife knew them both, seeing them at the Ralphs market on Sepulveda buying groceries, or at open houses or community events. They always participate in the July 4 parade down Loyola Avenue. It was really sad to hear of Lovrien's passing and Guzman's injuries. They will be missed especially by our community.