LAFD: 23rd Anniversary of the March 8, 1998 Line-of-Duty Death of Captain Joseph Dupee | Mar 8, 2021
Channel: LAFD
Date: 08/03/2021

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:

http://lafire.com/lastalarm_file/1998-0308_Dupee/JosephDupee.htm

NIOSH Report: 

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face9807.html

G-R-A-B-L-I-V-E-S:

https://www.lacitychiefs.net/download/chief_officer_documents/GRAB-LIVES.pdf