Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
To the people of the Palisades:
We know that anniversaries of tragic events like the Palisades Fire can be especially painful. They can reopen wounds, bring back moments of fear and uncertainty, and remind families of the homes, neighborhoods, and sense of security that were forever changed. For many of you, this day is not just a date on a calendar; it is deeply personal.
Since stepping into the role of Fire Chief, one of my highest priorities has been to fully understand what happened, not just operationally, but through the voices of those most affected. I have listened closely to our firefighters, our partners, and, most importantly, to you. That understanding matters because the only way forward is through honesty, reflection, and a genuine commitment to do better.
I want you to know that your concerns have been heard, and they remain at the forefront of our work every single day. Your safety is, and will always be, our highest priority. The Los Angeles Fire Department is committed to being better prepared, more transparent, and more responsive, earning your trust not with words alone, but through action.
We cannot change what happened, but we can, and must, learn from it. The lessons from the Palisades Fire are shaping how we train, prepare, deploy resources, and how we work alongside the communities we serve. These changes are driven by a shared goal: protecting lives, homes, and the sense of security every family deserves.
Your resilience in the face of loss has been extraordinary. Rebuilding is not easy, and healing takes time. Please know that you are not facing this journey alone. With continued partnership, vigilance, and care, there is reason for confidence and hope.
Thank you for your strength, your patience, and your willingness to engage with us during such a difficult chapter. Together, we will continue working toward a safer future for the Palisades and for all of Los Angeles.
— LAFD Fire Chief Jaime Moore
To the people of the Palisades:
We know that anniversaries of tragic events like the Palisades Fire can be especially painful. They can reopen wounds, bring back moments of fear and uncertainty, and remind families of the homes, neighborhoods, and sense of security that were forever changed. For many of you, this day is not just a date on a calendar; it is deeply personal.
Since stepping into the role of Fire Chief, one of my highest priorities has been to fully understand what happened, not just operationally, but through the voices of those most affected. I have listened closely to our firefighters, our partners, and, most importantly, to you. That understanding matters because the only way forward is through honesty, reflection, and a genuine commitment to do better.
I want you to know that your concerns have been heard, and they remain at the forefront of our work every single day. Your safety is, and will always be, our highest priority. The Los Angeles Fire Department is committed to being better prepared, more transparent, and more responsive, earning your trust not with words alone, but through action.
We cannot change what happened, but we can, and must, learn from it. The lessons from the Palisades Fire are shaping how we train, prepare, deploy resources, and how we work alongside the communities we serve. These changes are driven by a shared goal: protecting lives, homes, and the sense of security every family deserves.
Your resilience in the face of loss has been extraordinary. Rebuilding is not easy, and healing takes time. Please know that you are not facing this journey alone. With continued partnership, vigilance, and care, there is reason for confidence and hope.
Thank you for your strength, your patience, and your willingness to engage with us during such a difficult chapter. Together, we will continue working toward a safer future for the Palisades and for all of Los Angeles.
— LAFD Fire Chief Jaime Moore
![LAFD Foundation Valor 2025 - CIPTS (Captain I Brian Buehler, Captain I Eric Knudsen)
[Video credit: LAFD Foundation / Valor Awards 2025]
Under the lights of Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation hosted its annual VALOR Awards on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, bringing together city leaders, corporate partners, and community members to recognize firefighters for their courage and service.
The 2025 ceremony opened with a VIP reception, giving guests the rare opportunity to meet LAFD personnel, view firefighting apparatus up close, and watch exclusive demonstrations highlighting the department’s life-saving capabilities. As the sun set over Chavez Ravine, attendees took their seats on the infield for dinner and the start of the evening’s formal program.
VALOR is the Foundation’s signature event, an annual tradition honoring men and women whose decisive actions, expert training, and selfless commitment have protected lives across and beyond Los Angeles. This year’s honorees were celebrated through a series of video presentations and personal stories, each underscoring the weight of the split-second decisions firefighters make on the city’s toughest days.
2025 Honorees
Medal of Merit:
Captain I Daniel Lievense
Engineer Matthew Lievense
Captain I Christopher Sebourn
Special Commendation:
Firefighter III Armen Chalian
Firefighter III Joseph Coleman
Firefighter III Kari Field
Firefighter III Darren Lloyd
Firefighter III Daniel Nakamura
Engineer David Roberts
Firefighter III Andrew Talley
Unit of the Year:
Critical Incident Planning & Training Section (CIPTS)
The annual VALOR Awards celebrate not only the heroism of individual firefighters, but also the vital role of the LAFD Foundation in empowering them, ensuring that our city’s first responders have the tools, technology, and support necessary to protect our city’s four million residents. LAFD Foundation Valor 2025 - CIPTS (Captain I Brian Buehler, Captain I Eric Knudsen)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bX1sLLZ3prA/mqdefault.jpg)









