MAINLINEDecember 2009 - San Francisco Firefighters Local 798

4TH ANNUAL JOHNNY V. MEMORIAL TOY RUN
4th Annual Johnny V. MemorialToy Run
Executive Board and Members of the San Francisco
Firefighters Local 798:
On behalf of the members of the Barbary Coast
Chapter of the W&FMC we are extremely appreciative
of the support you have given us in holding our 4 th Annual
Johnny “V” Memorial Toy run. What a great day
to showcase our beautiful city, our proud Fire Department
and to bring awareness to the toy program goals
and most of all to honor a good friend Johnny “V”.
What a spectacular day it was. It was the largest
showing of riders we have had ever had. The first
year we had just over 100 riders participating. This
year we had well over 300 riders with closer to 400
participants. The roar and sights were truly amazing.
We collected over 20 barrels of toys and our monetary
donation back to the toy program tripled. A final figure
will be sent to you as soon as all of our bills are paid.
Threats of rain in all the forecasts were looming over
our heads. The Mr. Doubtfires were popping out their
heads with worrisome questions, but just like Johnny…He
is a rose between two thorns. Rain on Friday;
Rain on Sunday; A beautiful warm sunny day on the
day of the event; not a cloud in the sky except for:
Before we start the run through the city we have a
tribute towards Johnny V. We have Larry McDonald of
16 Truck and a group of volunteers raise the 65’ ladder
to honor John. As the ladder was raised and Larry
was climbing the ladder to salute John, I looked over
my left shoulder in the clear sky was one large cloud
formation (almost above Visitation Valley). The cloud
formation was in the form of a “V”…I felt it and know it
he was thanking all of us. Believe it or not.
We had a successful event and without your help and
support it couldn’t have happened. I personally would
like to thank Local 798, the Executive Board (if I can
interject, the members of the board who were there),
the San Francisco Fire Credit Union, the San Francisco
Fire Dept., Engine 8, DJ Kash for all your fine
biker tunes, to all the fire stations that donated shirts
and memorabilia towards our raffle, the San Francisco
Giants and Lou Seal, Sally, Jill and the Toy Program
and a very much appreciated thank you to all the volunteers
that helped with registration, food, hospitality,
raffle, collection of toys and after party, thank you.
The highlight of our event is the raising of the 65’ ladder.
I would have guessed that the ride or the after
party. The most memorable and the most feedback
we receive is the tribute we have for Johnny V and
the raising of the ladder. The Barbary Coast chapter is
mainly comprised of retired and active SFFD. What a
way to showcase our Fire Department with its history,
traditions and pride. We had firefighters attend this
event from all over Northern California and even as
far away as Santa Barbara. Not, only the fireman but
all that attended were in awe of the tribute. It made us
retired guys proud to claim we are part of the traditions
and history of San Francisco.
I am preparing an article and pictures of the event to
be included in the Mainline as soon as I receive the
pictures.
Respectfully and fraternally yours;
Phil Leanio, SFFD retired
President, W&FMC, Barbary Coast Chapter
16 www.SFFDLocaL798.org