Ralph D. Urquiza, BHS 1976

Ralph D. Urquiza, BHS 1976

March 4, 1957 – September 20, 2009

Ralph Urquiza, Firefighter III, Fire Station 89 – A

There will be a headstone placed where Ralph Urquiza now lies, a monument of sorts to a man taken from us long before his time. But it will not be the only testament to this remarkable man who embodied both strength and benevolence. Look about and you will find that he still lives amongst us. 

Look over your shoulder as you enter a blazing building and hope that the guy who’s got your back has the skill and experience which Ralph Urquiza displayed at every hostile fire he helped to extinguished.

When an ambulance pulls up to transport your patient, hope that fireman who steps out has the same knowledge, demeanor and caring ways that Ralph Urquiza exhibited on each and every call, no after the time of day. Set upon any garden path, sidewalk or sunny patio and take the time to appreciate the craftsmanship and utility of he creation, remembering that Ralph Urquiza was dedicated to making each of his works a masterpiece.

Ralph was raised in Burbank, a place he could call his hometown. Here is where spent his childhood, where he met his wife and would eventually marry her, and then where their children were baptized.

It was here in his hometown that early in life he developed a love and passion for the fire service. When he was just 12 years old he assisted a group of firemen deliver a baby. It just happened to be in his own home, his mother giving birth to his youngest sister. Ralph was ready, willing and eager to assist the firemen with whatever they needed of him that day, and they were happy to let him help.  

Ralph developed and fostered his love for the fire department by association with a family friend who lived nearby. Ralph was close friends with one the sons of Ray Hickman, Sr., a Burbank firefighter. He spent many a day asking Ray Sr. questions about the fire business and about how to go about getting hired. Ralph was about 19 then.

However, he wasn’t meant to be a fireman just yet, although he never gave up on his dream. His worked turned towards the concrete industry where he began working for Quality Ready Mix in Burbank. But because of his desire was so great, because the yearning was something he chose to nurture rather than suppress, he continued to pursue his fire department ambitions. Finally at the age of 27, Ralph realized his dream and joined the LAFD.

 It was about this same time, on his last of probation at Fire Station 33, that he would realize another dream. And again his mentor. Ray Hickman, Sr., would be responsible. Hanging out at the Hickman’s, Ralph was introduced to a friend of Ray’s daughter. Her name was Jeanne. It didn’t take him long to realize that Jeanne was he one, the girl of his dreams, the perfect match for his passion and his life.

Ralph spent the majority of his career, more than 18 years, at Fire Station 89. Many firefighters, drivers and captains came and went during this time, but Ralph was always at the core of the group that lingered. Anyone who has worked at the old North Hollywood firehouse can tell you a humorous story about Ralph, or tell you of his knowledge or generosity. But those who have been there for sometime are aware of something more. They recognize that Ralph’s passion for his duties inspired them in theirs. They realize that they were motivated by his loyalty to the department of which he as so proud to be a member. And maybe most of all, they understand that it was his selfless friendship that made 89’s such a very special place.

Besides being a steadfast friend, Ralph was a strong and dedicated father figure. He was devoted to his children, Troy and Jessica, taking great joy in nurturing, teaching, loving and molding them into resilient individuals who will make their family proud.

But his devotion to children extended beyond his own flesh and blood, and he reached out to the young men and women of the Explorer Program. He was a motivator and role model to the explorers who passed through his post. They would come back to thank him and express their gratitude for all that he had done for them, especially when they were finally hired as firefighters themselves.

Nevertheless, many youths in his post, for a variety of reasons, would never be able to attain firefighter status. But this was never an issue for Ralph. He spread his inspiration and passion equally, finding strengths and talents among all his flock. The valuable life skills and tools they received from Ralph will help them in whatever endeavors their future hold.

Ralph also had two very special children besides his own that he took under his wing, Katie and Jeff. According to Jeanne, “Anybody who knows these two knows that his work was cut out for him because these two broke the mold, so to speak. But Ralph stepped and never wavered.”

Ralph Urquiza spent a lot of time with many different people, from many walks of life; listening, learning and always lending a hand. He devoted his life to helping others, never asking for or expecting anything in return. The result of all this is something he never intended, it was never his aim or purpose. But his unselfish deeds leave with us a monument to a man which no tribute of stone or steel could equal. It is his spirit that will continue to live in all of us. 

Jeanne hopes that we won’t be selfish in expressing our feelings for her Ralph. She asks that each of us, “Share your Ralph – the one you with everyone. Let him live because the Lord shared him with us. And remember to laugh when you do.”

By Dave Wagner, October 2009