L.A. Firefighters Go to Bat for Survivors of Colleagues Killed in New York Attack

Kicking off their boots to lace up cleats, about 300 Los Angeles city firefighters played softball Wednesday to raise money for the Fire Department of New York.

At Hjelte Sports Center in Encino, firefighters paid $25 each to take part in the annual tournament.

The event, normally a fund-raiser for the Los Angeles Fireman’s Relief Assn. for Widows and Children, this year will benefit the families of those killed in the New York rescue operation at the World Trade Center.

“In the beginning, every firefighter wanted to go to New York, but they know they have an obligation and a responsibility to stay in L.A.,” department spokesman Capt. Steve Ruda said. “This way, they can do something and feel fulfilled.”

The department also unveiled a memorial T-shirt designed by members of Fire Station 72 that it will sell for $15, with proceeds also going to the New York department’s widow and children fund.

“This is from our heart, from LAFD,” said Firefighter Tim Larson, who helped design the shirt.

In previous years, the tournament was a day when fire stations from Canoga Park to Echo Park gathered in the name of intense, but good-natured competition.

“This year’s [tournament] has a bigger meaning,” Ruda said.

“I’d definitely say the mood’s different,” Station 17’s Jeff Rodriguez said. “You can tell that we’re riding on lots of emotion.”

A moment of silence preceded the games.

Between games, firefighters read a list of rescuers who died last week.

“It makes me sad because it makes me remember what happened, but it’s also nice to see smiles of people who are coming together,” said spectator Loren Vanderlinden, whose boss is a firefighter.

Firefighter Lorenzo Armstead from Station 9 expressed the frustration of many who are too far from New York to help. He said he hopes raising money will offer some consolation to those who lost loved ones.

“We hope that by contributing funds, their kids will be taken care of,” Armstead said.