LA Fire and Police Veterans Association looks to help and unite service members
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Fire and Police Veterans Association looks to help and unite service members, while ensuring that veterans and their families are getting the help they deserve.
Among its members is David Arellano, a fire inspector with the Los Angeles Fire Department. He's also served as a master gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves for almost 29 years.
"There are very few of us out there. It's been known to be the unicorn ranks because not many people get to see it," Arellano said.
He is one of many proud veterans who work for the city's fire and police departments.
"It's almost like they go hand in hand," he said.
Arellano said many veterans go into civil service because it's engrained in them to help others.
"Many of the traits that we learn within the military is to be that kind of, have that servant leadership, and so working in that type of environment, whether it is law enforcement or the fire service it's that servant hood to the public," Arellano said.
The Los Angeles Fire and Police Veterans Association was created almost a year ago to bring service members together.
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Capt. Adam VanGerpen, president of the association said, "This is something where we have many veterans are very humble. They don't talk about their service. We may not even know they were in the military but this is a way we can recognize our veterans, highlight some of the dedication that they've given to our country and this is a very positive thing for both the fire departments and the police departments."
The association also works to ensure veterans and their families are getting the help they deserve.
VanGerpen said, "There's numerous education benefits, there's grants out there for our veterans so we want to make sure the veterans are getting everything that they're entitled to."
Arrellano is grateful they get to stay connected with other vets, whether it's serving the city of Los Angeles or the military.
"It's always that strength through unity for our brothers and sisters in arms; it's invaluable," Arellano said.
