Firefighter dies of injuries in Hollywood Hills fire
A firefighter gravely injured in a Hollywood Hills house fire Thursday died of his injuries Friday, Los Angeles fire officials said.
Debris engulfed Glenn Allen, a 38-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Rescuers used a chainsaw to cut their way through to him.
When they reached their colleague, Allen wasn't breathing and was in full cardiac arrest. They began cardiopulmonary resuscitation, then rushed him to nearby Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was listed in grave condition.
Colleagues said Allen had talked of retiring within the next year or so. One Fire Department employee said he was looking forward to the birth this month of his first grandchild.
"The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department thank you for your kind words and sentiment at this time of overwhelming sorrow and immense loss," the department said in a statement. "The Allen Family and the Los Angeles Fire Department has received a tremendous outpouring of support during this difficult time. Your Firefighters wish to thank you and express our deepest appreciation for all the kind words and gestures that have been provided."
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-- Richard Winton
Photo: Firefighter Glenn Allen
Credit: Los Angeles Fire Department
EDITOR'S PICKS:
Mr. Allen, thank you for your many years of service to the people of Los Angeles. Praying for peace for the family.
Posted by: reader1 | February 18, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Very sad news. I'd been hoping for a happier ending to this story. RIP, Glenn.
Posted by: SmartAssProducts.com | February 18, 2011 at 03:00 PM
So sad. Too soon for you. Many prayers for your family, firefighters, and friends. RIP
Posted by: Linda | February 18, 2011 at 03:01 PM
So Sad. Rest In Peace and Thank you!
Posted by: shannon | February 18, 2011 at 03:05 PM
Thank you-may you rest in peace!
Posted by: bre | February 18, 2011 at 03:12 PM
His grandchild will have a guardian angel for a grandpa. May god bless your family with health and happiness after these dark times pass.
Posted by: armen | February 18, 2011 at 03:14 PM
A valiant one goes down, a tragic loss. Condolences to his loved ones and comrades.
Posted by: headjazz | February 18, 2011 at 03:14 PM
Really unfortunate. So many years of service and close to retirement. May you rest in peace, sir.
Posted by: db | February 18, 2011 at 03:17 PM
R.I.P. Many people owe a lot of gratitude to you for the service you provided. A true hero.
Posted by: James Banks | February 18, 2011 at 03:19 PM
My heart felt sorrow goes out to his family, I didn't know him personally but he is a HERO!! he put his life on the line for every American every single day.. and for that he should be recognized each and everyday!!
GOD BLESS.. PEOPLE LIKE GLENN ALLEN
Posted by: Marella | February 18, 2011 at 03:21 PM
My praying go out the Allen family,,,,You left far too soon.Thanks for your service.I shall bow my head in respect.R.I.P.
Posted by: ten-29-me | February 18, 2011 at 03:37 PM
Tough thing to deal with.
Very sad for his family.
RIP Mr. Allen
Posted by: Ken | February 18, 2011 at 03:42 PM
May he rest in peace, and his family know that he was a true hero in every sense of the word! My condolences to his family and I'm sure he will be sorely missed by all!
Posted by: Astonished | February 18, 2011 at 03:44 PM
Thank you for your service and we will never forget. My prayers for you and your wonderful family.
Posted by: JoeMan | February 18, 2011 at 03:55 PM
Oh man....... How sad...:-(. Myself being a City of Los Angeles employee I would like to express my condolences to Mr. Allen's family and fellow firefighters for his heroics effort and duties as a fellow City of LA employee. Thank you for your services and may the lord rest your soul....!
Posted by: Carlos A Nunez | February 18, 2011 at 03:56 PM
This is sad and inspirational at the same time. Sad that his love ones will no longer be able to enjoy his physical presence. Inspirational knowing that Mr. Allen devoted his life to serve other people no matter what consequence it may have. God Bless to him and his dear ones.
Posted by: AJ | February 18, 2011 at 03:57 PM
My heart goes out to the firefighter, his buddies and friends and family.
Please PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, WHETHER THEY'RE PAID OR NOT. BRING THEM DINNER. TREAT THEM WITH THE UTMOST RESPECT.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU'LL NEED A FIREFIGHTER TO SAVE YOUR LIFE, SO LET THEM ALL KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE AND THANK THEM FOR CHOOSING THIS CAREER PATH.
Posted by: Steve | February 18, 2011 at 04:02 PM
God bless, Mr. Allen... Keep a watchful eye over us all.
Posted by: Marv | February 18, 2011 at 04:14 PM
God Bless firefighter Allen!
My prayers to your family and to those firefighters who risk their lives every day!
Posted by: Hope | February 18, 2011 at 04:16 PM
What a tragedy. We send your family sincere condolences.
Posted by: Cecelia Kennelly-Waeschle & Cliff Waeschle | February 18, 2011 at 04:18 PM
Rest in Peace Brother. From Albuquerque Fire Department Engine 5
Posted by: Nik Gallagher | February 18, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Firefighter's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life,
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout,
quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling,
to give the best in me,
to guard my friend and neighbor,
and protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I must answer death's call,
bless with Your protecting hand,
my family one and all.
Author Unknown
Posted by: socalcomment | February 18, 2011 at 04:28 PM
What sad news. I was really hoping he'd pull through.
My thoughts and prayers with his family and fellow firefighters.
Posted by: Michelle | February 18, 2011 at 04:29 PM
May the family find peace in knowing his profession was a heroic one. Thanks for all that firemen and women do for us.
Posted by: Tony P. | February 18, 2011 at 04:58 PM
38 years of service and he gave his life going the extra mile. This gentleman should be memorialized for his extraordinary service. Rest in peace Mr. Allen.
Posted by: sloreader | February 18, 2011 at 05:12 PM