KCAL's Sheba Turk poses with San Fernando Valley families alongside LAFD Station 39 Captain Joseph Wilkinson (left) and a fellow firefighter at the Second Annual Breakfast with the Brave.
818 Week Committee hosted LAFD's Second Annual Breakfast with the Brave in Van Nuys, drawing 850+ residents, elected officials and LAFD Top Leaders.
The fact that we get this great turnout at a local fire station speaks volumes to the level of commitment the LAFD has to the citizens and the support that the citizens give the fire department”
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, August 24, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- San Fernando Valley Community Honors LAFD at Second Annual "Breakfast with the Brave" Event drew elected officials, neighborhood councils, and hundreds of residents to Van Nuys Fire Station 39— Luis Aldana, LAFD Valley Bureau Commander Deputy Chief
VAN NUYS, Calif., August 24, 2026 - The 818 Week Planning Committee, of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development, hosted the Second Annual LAFD Firefighter Appreciation Breakfast, "Saluting Our Firefighting Heroes: Breakfast with the Brave," on Saturday morning at LAFD Fire Station 39, bringing together over 850 San Fernando Valley residents, elected officials, and community organizations to honor the firefighters who serve the Valley every day.
“As large as the valley is, the fact that we get this great turnout at our local fire stations does actually speak volumes to the level of commitment the LAFD has to the citizens and the support that the citizens give the fire department,” said Luis Aldana, LAFD Valley Bureau Commander Deputy Chief.
The event was covered by CBS Los Angeles, which reported that LAFD crews were celebrated at the Van Nuys IHOP as part of the second annual event.
The morning opened with a performance from DJ Baltazar Radio, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by LAPD Cadets, youth volunteers, and Girl Scout Troop 3246. Evangelist Hilda Pierce of Bethesda Temple Apostolic Church delivered the Star-Spangled Banner, and Nahui Ollin Aztec/Mexico opened the program with a ceremonial welcome dance honoring the roots of the San Fernando Valley community. Pastor Eli Wells of Valley Berean Christian Church offered the opening prayer, and Girl Scout Troop 3246 led the room in "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
Los Angeles Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who represents Council District 6, home to Fire Station 39, welcomed the crowd. Mayor Victoria Garcia of the City of San Fernando offered an opening tribute to the department.
Performances throughout the morning included a youth mariachi set from Mariachi Juvenil Corazón de Oro, an Armenian dance tribute from Ararat Dance Studio, and appearances from the GALS School Cheerleaders and Dance Team. Sheba Turk of KCAL, CBS Los Angeles, returned as emcee, sharing hosting duties with 818 Week Planning Committee member Edwin Rosales.
Brenda Watson, 818 Week Committee member stated, “we here in the Valley will never forget the fact that the LAFD saved the San Fernando Valley last year during the devastating January Palisades fire, we will never forget.”
A highlight of the morning was a special tribute to the LAFD and the presentation of the Valley Treasure Award to Evan Lovett of L.A. in a Minute and KNX, introduced by LAUSD School Board President Scott Schmerelson.
Elected officials and community leaders on hand included Congressman Brad Sherman, Congresswoman Luz Rivas, State Senator Caroline Menjivar, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez, Councilmember Imelda Padilla, Mayor Victoria Garcia, and Councilmember Mary Mendoza, along with a recorded message from Senator Alex Padilla. The Van Nuys, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, West Hills, and Encino Neighborhood Councils also sent greetings and support.
Residents added their names and messages of thanks to a giant Thank You Portable Mural, presented in honor of the LAFD Valley Bureau as a lasting community tribute. IHOP Encino once again hosted and underwrote the breakfast. Brenda Watson of Lighthouse Christian Center, San Fernando, closed the program in prayer.
"This event is about something simple but powerful: saying thank you to the people who answer the call when our communities need them most," said Michael Browning, President and CEO of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development and organizer of the 818 Week Planning Committee. "Seeing this many neighborhoods, elected officials, and neighbors show up for our firefighters, for the second year in a row, tells you everything about the spirit of the Valley."
The 818 Week Planning Committee is a volunteer led coalition of San Fernando Valley residents, community organizations, and neighborhood councils dedicated to celebrating the neighborhoods that make up the Valley. More information about 818 Week and future events is available through the Planning Committee.
Media Contact Mike Browning 818 Week Planning Committee
747)217-9258
michael browning
insight center for community economic development
+1 747-217-9258
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
