August 24, 2021

Bellflower Spotlight: The Los Angeles County Fire Museum

In California, we’ve had ample reason to appreciate our firefighters in recent months and years. In 2020, over 18,500 firefighters worked against the wildfires ravaging the state. Who knows where we would be without them?

Firefighters and other first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect everyday citizens. In Bellflower, California, a monument to not only these people but also the tools of the trade has become a popular destination for many visitors. Let’s take a look at what makes The Los Angeles County Fire Museum such a “hot” spot.

History

The Los Angeles County Fire Department was created in 1923, after then-County Forester and Fire Warden Stuart Flintham petitioned for a regional system of fire prevention and suppression in the still-growing area of Los Angeles. His work changed state laws and developed 28 fire districts in the county by 1924.

Two LA County firefighters started what would eventually become the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association in the mid-1970s, and a decade later, the museum was formally organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation under the state of California.

In 2018, the city of Bellflower partnered with the LA County Fire Museum Association, providing the bottom floor of the Mayne Events Center to house the museum showcase, and an auto body shop was purchased and converted into “ The Shop ,” which handles restoration work on the museum’s fleet of vehicles.

Emergency!

The Los Angeles County Fire Department collaborated with Hollywood in 1972 on the television series Emergency!, which focused on two LA County firefighter paramedics. With the help of the actual LA County Fire Department, the show was able to capture the culture of the organization. When Emergency! first began broadcasting, there were only 12 paramedic rescue units in the entire United States. By the time it ended, that number had grown exponentially, with one unit no more than 10 minutes away from every person in the country at the time, according to retired Battalion Chief James O. Page.

When the Los Angeles County Fire Museum opened in Bellflower, California, one of the first donated pieces was Squad 51, one of the Dodge D-300 trucks used in the filming of the series. A 50th anniversary celebration of Emergency! is currently scheduled to take place at the museum in January of 2022.

Take a Tour

The Los Angeles County Fire Museum in Bellflower has more than 40 fire engines dating as far back as the 1860s. Along with the fleet of vehicles, it also features gear, such as uniforms, apparatuses, helmets, badges, and photographs. The artifacts featured at the museum can be viewed in person Wednesday through Saturday, but a virtual tour is also available online.

Our state relies on firefighters more than we realize. The next time you find yourself in Bellflower, California, pay a visit to the Los Angeles County Fire Museum to learn more about the brave people who have protected the area for nearly 100 years. And if you’re searching for a new apartment in the area, the professionals at Sherwood Apartment Homes would love to help. Contact us today for more information.

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit at Sherwood

April 20, 2026
At  Sherwood  , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us. 1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs: Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card. Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow. Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime. 2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinata Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata. How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus. The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.) 3. More Ways the App Helps You Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Bellflower community. You can: Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs. Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details. Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents. At  Sherwood  , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.
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