DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES —

As mentioned, today was Hope for Firefighters, an annual fundraiser for the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. The weather was perfect and the event offered heavy crowds some great food and a chance to watch fire house teams compete in the "muster" games. Speakers included Jan Perry, a very grateful Tom Labonge -- whose district has seen two major fires in recent months -- and Mayor Villaraigosa.

The hose pull event, pictured at left above, required teams to drag a hose cart fifty yards or so in a timing exercise, making it to a hydrant at the end. Part way two members of the team would have to jump on the end of the hose, anchoring it and allowing it to unroll. The timer stopped when the hydrant was turned on and the hose used to knock down a cone. The winning time was right around 30 seconds.

Hope for Firefighters is a great event for Downtown. It's very well run and supports a noble cause. If you didn't make it out this year, definitely something to circle on the calendar for 2008.

Photos by Ed Fuentes. See Ed's full set of shots here.