Hundreds Turn Out at Second Annual Breakfast with the Brave

VAN NUYS, Calif.– The 818 Week Planning Committee, of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development, hosted the Second Annual LAFD Firefighter Appreciation Breakfast, “Saluting Our Firefighting Heroes: Breakfast with the Brave,” on Saturday morning at LAFD Fire Station 39, bringing together over 850 San Fernando Valley residents, elected officials, and community organizations to honor the firefighters who serve the Valley every day.

“As large as the valley is, the fact that we get this great turnout at our local fire stations does actually speak volumes to the level of commitment the LAFD has to the citizens and the support that the citizens give the fire department,” said Luis Aldana, LAFD Valley Bureau Commander Deputy Chief.
The event was covered by CBS Los Angeles, which reported that LAFD crews were celebrated at the Van Nuys IHOP as part of the second annual event.

The morning opened with a performance from DJ Baltazar Radio, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by LAPD Cadets, youth volunteers, and Girl Scout Troop 3246.

Evangelist Hilda Pierce of Bethesda Temple Apostolic Church delivered the Star-Spangled Banner, and Nahui Ollin Aztec/Mexico opened the program with a ceremonial welcome dance honoring the roots of the San Fernando Valley community. Pastor Eli Wells of Valley Berean Christian Church offered the opening prayer, and Girl Scout Troop 3246 led the room in “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Los Angeles Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who represents Council District 6, home to Fire Station 39, welcomed the crowd. Mayor Victoria Garcia of the City of San Fernando offered an opening tribute to the department.

Performances throughout the morning included a youth mariachi set from Mariachi Juvenil Corazón de Oro, an Armenian dance tribute from Ararat Dance Studio, and appearances from the GALS School Cheerleaders and Dance Team. Sheba Turk of KCAL, CBS Los Angeles, returned as emcee, sharing hosting duties with 818 Week Planning Committee member Edwin Rosales.

Brenda Watson, 818 Week Committee member stated, “we here in the Valley will never forget the fact that the LAFD saved the San Fernando Valley last year during the devastating January Palisades fire, we will never forget.”

A highlight of the morning was a special tribute to the LAFD and the presentation of the Valley Treasure Award to Evan Lovett of L.A. in a Minute and KNX, introduced by LAUSD School Board President Scott Schmerelson.

Elected officials and community leaders on hand included Congressman Brad Sherman, Congresswoman Luz Rivas, State Senator Caroline Menjivar, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez, Councilmember Imelda Padilla, Mayor Victoria Garcia, and Councilmember Mary Mendoza, along with a recorded message from Senator Alex Padilla. The Van Nuys, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, West Hills, and Encino Neighborhood Councils also sent greetings and support.

"Great to join @lafdvalley Chief Aldana at an event thanking our heroes — the brave men and women of the @LAFD. I’ll never stop fighting to ensure our first responders have the equipment and resources they need to keep our communities safe," said Congressman Sherman on X after the event.

Residents added their names and messages of thanks to a giant Thank You Portable Mural, presented in honor of the LAFD Valley Bureau as a lasting community tribute. IHOP Encino once again hosted and underwrote the breakfast. Brenda Watson of Lighthouse Christian Center, San Fernando, closed the program in prayer.

“This event is about something simple but powerful: saying thank you to the people who answer the call when our communities need them most,” said Michael Browning, President and CEO of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development and organizer of the 818 Week Planning Committee. “Seeing this many neighborhoods, elected officials, and neighbors show up for our firefighters, for the second year in a row, tells you everything about the spirit of the Valley.”