William Goss

Born in Monson, MA May 22, 1918. Family came to Los Angeles in 1920 and settled in the Slauson-Vermont area. Attended Budlong Avenue Elementary, John Muir Junior and manual Arts High Schools. After returning from WW II attended USC’s School of Puplic Administration majoring in Fire Administration. Later attended UCLA’s Post Graduate School of Public Administration for Psychology of Management and Sensitivity Training for Executives and Managers Programs.
Joined the Los Angeles City Fire Department in October 1941. Served on Truck 28 and “old” Engine 5 in “Skid Row” for remainder of probation and the next few years. Made Autofireman in 1946 and assigned to “old” Engine 16, Salvage 28 and to the Fire Prevention Bureau. During Fire Prevention duty was promoted to Captain in Novemeber 1947 and after leaving FPB served as Captain of Truck 22, Truck 66 and Engine 26. Promoted to Battalion Chief in July 1954 and assigned again to the FPB. Promoted to Deputy Chief in June 1956 and assigned to the Bureau of Fire Suppression and Rescue. In 1961 took command of the Bureau of Supply and Maintenance; 1964-66 back to the Bureau of Fire Suppression and Rescue as the “C” Platoon Commander and in 1966-68 to the Fire Prevention Bureau as the Fire Marshall and Chief Fire Prevention Engineer. Finally to a new Bureau of Special Operations in 1969 supervising the Arson, Training, Mountatin Patrol and Helicopter Sections. Retired in 1970.
From 1954 to 1970 was Department Representative to the State Legislature and appointed by the Senate and/or Assembly to chair Advisory Committees on fireworks, explosives, tank trucks, health care facilities, public assemblages, etc. Worked closely with State Fire Marshal’s Office on school fire testing and pupil safety, fire extinguishing systems and water supplies.
After retiring from LAFD took a position as Field Engineer in charge of the use and maintenance of Fire and Building Codes, Nationial Fire Protection Assoication Standards in the Western States including Alaska and Hawaii. Active in International Conferance of Building Officials, the Uniform Fire Code and the National Fire Proctection Assn. code development and committee work. Retired for good in 1992 to enjoy my grandchildren and their many activities.