Firefighters Respond to the Need of Firefighters Widow

Recently it was brought to the attention of San Jose Fire Captain Jose Guerrero that the home of a deceased San Jose Fire Department member, Arson Investigator Booker T. Law's widow, Mary Law, was in much need of maintenance and repair. Jose visited Mary and enjoyed a long conversation with her on August 1, 2006. After the conversation Captain Guerrero was compelled to do something. Jose stated "she is an awesome lady with a huge heart and we want to do something for her in memory of our beloved friend Booker T. Law"

At the time of his death, Booker was serving the San Jose Fire Department as an Arson Investigator, and was considered a pioneer in many respects. He was the first black Firefighter to work for the San Jose Fire Department and started one of the departments first youth outreach programs.

Beginning yesterday (August 22, 2006), as many as 75 off-duty Firefighters showed up at the home of Mary Law to help Jose with his goal. The two day project demanded that crews work late into the night. The home required painting, minor repairs, landscape clean-up, fence replacement, sprinkler installation and new sod. Firefighters will continue to work late tonight to help Mary catch up on these home repairs.

L-R San Jose Fire Captain Jose Guerrero, Black Firefighters Association President Mike Baldwin, Mary Law, San Jose Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld, San Jose Firefighters Local 230 President Randy Sekany and Los Bomberos President Alberto Olmos

This is truly an example of our Firefighters exemplifying the core values of the San Jose Fire Department "Family, Integrity and Trust"

Submitted by; Captain Alberto N. Olmos, SJFD, PIO