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Rather than an “Agency Spotlight” we wanted to do a personal spotlight to Laurence “Weep” Stevens, who is going to be 101 years old July 10th 2025.
Born in the city of Alhambra, July 10, 1924. He was fourth of five children. He attended Alhambra High School where he served as Class President and Captain of Alhambra High School Football Team in1942.
Immediately after graduation in June 1943, at the age of 18, he was inducted into the United States Army Air Corps. He was sent to fight the war in Europe, with the Mighty 8th Airforce, 95th Bomb Group, as a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He completed 35 missions in a four engine bomber named the ‘Full House’. After completing his 35-mission tour of Europe, he re-upped to continue fighting the war effort in the Pacific on a B-25 as a tail gunner. Luckily the war ended on August 15th, four days before his overseas deployment.
After returning home, Laurence worked for his father’s plaster business. Then, in1955, Laurence was hired by Alhambra Fire Department. He served as an Alhambra Firefighter, Engineer and Fire Captain for thirty-one years. He also served as the AFD Firefighters’ Union Local president for five years.
After thirty-one years, Larry retired as a fire captain with the City of Alhambra and also married to his wife Henrietta for 69 years and raised five children. Another well-deserved medal!
At age 89, Larry self-published a book “It Only Takes One, Memoirs of a Tail Gunner.” You can obtain it on Amazon.
Larry is still going strong with strong mind and faculties. When asked what his secret was to happiness and life longevity; “Wake up every morning with a smile and think positive thoughts!” What a simple and easy thing to do. That’s a powerful and timeless reminder. Starting the day with a mindset rooted in gratitude, optimism, or even just a small intention can shift everything that follows. It’s like setting the tone for your inner soundtrack—do you want a frantic drum solo or a mellow sunrise melody? The choice is yours…
Happy Birthday to you Larry, you are appreciated and certainly well-respected Sir!
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He is Director at Large with the California State Firefighters Association, Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com