Brentwood Man Honored by Local Fire Station

Brentwood native Marc Jacoby and his late wife, Terry Lynn, were honored by the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Station 19 with a plaque dedication ceremony Saturday.

Jacoby received the honor for his contributions to LAFD programs, including implementing diesel exhaust piping at the fire station that allows toxic fumes from the diesel-powered vehicles to be aired out safely.

“This was never about me. This was always about everybody,” Jacoby said during the plaque dedication ceremony.

Jacoby went to the event under the guise of watching his friend receive an award for paramedic work, unaware of what was to come. Upon arriving at Brentwood’s Fire Station 19, located at 12229 Sunset Blvd. at Kenter Avenue, Jacoby was welcomed by friends and family who had set up the dedication as a surprise.

“If I knew it was about me, I wouldn't have come,” Jacoby said.

After a few of his own fire-related mishaps, Jacoby began stopping by the local fire station and over a period of time, became friends with many of the firefighters. Showing up with coffee and cigars, his popularity with the firefighters grew to the close bond that continues to this day.

“I've been here for three years and I'm amazed at what he's done for us. … We cover a wide area and we don't have the biggest station so his help is really felt here. The diesel exhaust piping, which was something we didn't have, Marc paid for it, so we wanted to all get together and do something for him,” said fireman Leo Bryne.

The system hook exhaust that Jacoby funded helps reduce carcinogenic fumes that have plagued the health of firefighters with numerous ailments, including cancer.

During the dedication ceremony, many speakers highlighted Jacoby's volunteer work for the fire department's youth program and a multitude of his fundraising efforts. Jacoby was also a part of Proposition F's citizen oversight committee that granted the Los Angeles Fire Department more than $500 million for much needed construction and renovation.

Jacoby shared the honor with his late wife, who also volunteered her time to the fire department and encouraged her husband to spend time at fire stations.

“These men and women go out at a moment’s notice, walk through burning buildings and put themselves in danger every day, sleep weird hours, all sorts of sacrifice. Why can't we do something for them?” Jacoby said.