Dick Wolf knows how to create drama. His production company, Wolf Entertainment has been making it since his first series, Christine Cromwell, debuted on ABC in 1989. While that Jaclyn Smith show failed, he more than made up for it with hits like Law & Order, FBI and Chicago Fire. This summer, art imitates life so to speak. Wolf switches gears with the new docuseries LA Fire & Rescue. The new show offers unprecedented access to the inner workings of the Los Angeles County Fire Department who are responsible for protecting the lives and property of 4 million residents living in the 59 cities across Los Angeles County.
This isn’t the first time that Wolf has created this type of show. In 2005, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, which featured real trials and the prosecution and defense teams working on those trials. It gave a very interesting look into the inner workings of the court system and I suspect that LA Fire & Rescue will do the same.
From helicopter mountain rescues and lifeguard beach SOS, to fireboats, hazmat units and California’s raging wildfires, the LA Fire & Rescue Department does it all and the new series documents actual calls and drama while giving a face to the passionate firefighters who risk their lives in the name of service. These real-life heroes and their captivating stories are told alongside the unpredictable dangers they face on the front lines of life and death.
Here are the firehouses that will be featured this season:
Station 8: West Hollywood
Located off the famous Sunset Strip, this station regularly deals with the intricacies of putting out fires in large apartment complexes and high-rise buildings. Captains Mike Carolan and Roy Ortiz, both born into firefighter families, lead with the guiding principles of service and brotherhood at the forefront. Personal and professional lives blend in their firehouse as the squad rallies together to support fellow firefighter and cancer survivor, Dave Castellanos.
Station 16: Watts
This squad is nicknamed “The Fire Factory” for its quirky crew, but is one of the most sought after and well-respected stations. These passionate individuals take deep pride in serving their community. Longtime Capt. Dan Olivas leads with heart and is a father figure to his squad. His loyalty to his crew is unmatched, so it comes as no surprise that his own son Jeff Olivas (Firefighter/Paramedic) is a rookie at LACoFD who hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps to someday climb the ranks to captain. Grade school friends Tony Huynh (Engineer) and Paco Lomeli (Firefighter/Paramedic) go above and beyond the call of duty for their community. Firefighter Erik Gunn is a South L.A. native who knows the ins and outs of the community he serves.
Station 37: Palmdale
As one of the oldest and most beloved stations in the county, downtown Palmdale’s firefighters motto is “Every Day’s a Holiday” because each day is filled with unpredictable, nonstop calls. Despite their different experiences as they rose through the ranks, Captains Stan Maloof and Eric Tumbarello are both faced with juggling family life with their responsibilities at the firehouse. The son of a LACoFD fire captain who left a steady career in finance, Stan has a lot to prove.
Station 41: Compton
This engine runs the most calls in the county and has always been too demanding of a place for a probationary firefighter, but this year they have their first Boot. The area can be rough and dangerous, but the community is resilient and filled with love and respect for their firefighters. A welcome presence for the community at any scene, Capt. Scott Woods has his hands full working at one of the busiest stations in Los Angeles. He is an inspiration and mentor to the younger firefighters, including Erin Scuoler (Boot) and Alex Castorena (Firefighter/Paramedic).
Station 101: Claremont
After being told she wouldn’t make it as a female firefighter, Siene Freeman (Firefighter/Paramedic) never gave up on her lifelong dream. Always wanting to help those around her, she’s continued to prove that she belongs in this field. A wife and mother to two young kids, Siene’s biggest challenge has been finding a balance between her demanding job as a firefighter and spending quality time at home with her family.
Station 125: Calabasas
Over the hills near Malibu, this station is housed in one of the most luxurious and stunning parts of Los Angeles. With a dynamically diverse team, nothing can stop their skill, determination, and progress. As the 15th female ever hired by LACoFD, Capt. Sheila Kelliher is a trailblazer with a passion for teaching new recruits to be their best in the field.
Station 172: Inglewood
This group of firefighters brings the best energy to the town. They pride themselves on being one of the most diverse stations as they serve as role models to their community. Captains Chris Davis and Kevin Grayson are proud veterans who joined LACoFD after serving in the Marines and Army, respectively.
Other crew members featured in the series include:
Air Operations
Also known as the “Angels in the Sky,” this high-flying crew is accustomed to high-stakes distress calls, only responding to the most urgent patients and hard-to-reach locations. Captains Johnny Gray III and Dave Baumann share an unbridled passion for their jobs.
Lifeguards
The L.A. County Fire Department Lifeguard Division is the largest professional lifeguard service in the world. It’s also home to a tight-knit group determined to uphold its reputation while also enjoying the scenic benefits of the job. Captains John Zimpelman and Kyle Powers turned their passion for water sports into a lifeguarding career. Proud of the reputations they have built, both strive to be role models for those on their team and children at home.
LA Fire & Rescue premieres Wednesday, June 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.
(Main image: NBC)
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