The group photo above of Tiburon FPD staff in May of 1976 includes some members who served as Resident Volunteers. 
Left-right back row: Gary Lucas, Mark Fahl, Gary Morgan, Matt Lennon, Fred Todd.
Left-right standing: Robert Brooks, Avery Clary, Dennis Gerbich, John Grbac, Chief Frank Buscher, Leslie La Torre, Larry Bogel, Dick Wagner, Thomas Murphy, William Steiger, Nob Kuwatani.
Left-right kneeling: Curtis Newsom, Bill Langton.

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“My Ticket Out of the House"

by Larry Bogel, retired Tiburon FPD Captain
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In January of 1961 and only a few weeks after turning 18, I had my first opportunity to 'bust out' on my own. I was living at home with my parents on Belvedere Island and attending College of Marin. Liberal Arts classes were of no interest to me, and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.
 
I was well acquainted with most of the Volunteer Firefighters in Belvedere and Tiburon. Tiburon Fire Protection District Chief Franklin J. Buscher was the youngest paid Chief in Marin at the time, and only on the job for two years or so. He was just establishing a Volunteer "Sleeper" program, (later renamed "Resident Volunteer".)  This was probably modeled after Larkspur's. He explained what would be required, which included spending each night at the Station 1 (later re-numbered to Station11) to assist, train and respond to all calls and emergencies with the one "paid man" on duty.
 
There were two other full time firefighters working the 24 hour shifts and about 30 Volunteers. I believe we were also expected to work a full shift each Saturday or Sunday. It was okay to adjust the hours if family or personal plans got in the way, just let them know ahead of time.
 
When Chief Frank asked if I was interested in being a Resident Volunteer, I enthusiastically accepted, but of course had to get the folks' approval. And, since I was a minor, I needed written permission from either parent. Naturally, Dad and Mom were not thrilled with the proposal, fearing my grades would suffer. After a day or two of my best salesmanship, they reluctantly agreed, but with the understanding I must keep up with school work. Couldn't wait to rush down to TFD and give Chief Frank the happy news and approval note written by Mom.  
 
He said there would be a Board of Directors' Meeting in a few days and, if accepted and after passing a medical exam paid by the District, I could move in. Banking on everything going my way, I made an appointment for the day after the Board Meeting with our nearby family doctor, Donovan Cooke. With his document in my hand, I was able to move in that day. I tried to contain my excitement, rejoicing with the thought of being out from under parental control.
 
The old headquarters Fire Station had a large open room covering the full second story over the engine room. There was a kitchen and bathroom, about six beds at one end and a TV, furniture and a wall heater at other end. Within a few months as I recall, a contractor constructed a wall in the middle with a door and communications area. Also installed was an industrial-type gas furnace hanging from the ceiling, a narrow interior spiral staircase, and a fire pole. This made living there far more comfortable, especially at night when trying to sleep with others still up.
 
I loved my new freedom, the fire service camaraderie and public safety. Admittedly, I still had some nice family ‘bennies’ like frequently going home for dinner and getting my laundry done. When my parents or I had other plans, I was on my own. About the middle of the first year and totally out of the blue, it dawned on me, THIS is what I want to do full time.
 
The three paid men were Clive Coverdale, a former Larkspur Volunteer, Bob Wallermann, a Tiburon Volunteer who worked as a maintenance man at Marin Convalescent Hospital near Station 2 (re-numbered to Station 10). The third man was Don Smith, an insurance salesman. Don was only with us a short time. Some of the others I worked and lived with in the first two years were Chuck Pruett, Ed Parnell, John Zunich, George LaSalle and brother Bob. Chief Frank occasionally spent the night when one of the paid guys was not there.
 
Getting back to that first year, 1961. Clive accepted a paid position to get back with Larkspur, and Chief Frank asked if I'd like to have Clive's job. I immediately accepted. After the Board meeting, I was officially hired on December 15, three days before my 19th birthday. Soon after raking in the ‘big bucks’, Mom started charging me $20 a month. What a sweet deal for me. I continued living at the station and taking all classes offered, in and out of Marin County.
 
On March 4,1964, Uncle Sam came ‘a-calling’ and I was drafted into the U.S. Army for two years. About  April 1, John Grbac, a Tiburon Volunteer, was just getting out of his four year hitch with the Navy and took my job. Good timing for John and TFD! After my Basic Training at  Fort Ord, California, surprise, surprise...they needed Firefighters(!) at the Army's Aviation Center at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. I was assigned to Crash and Rescue and rotated 24-hour shifts between three small air strips with fire stations.  
 
We drove a crash truck, sometimes up to 50 miles along state highways to other airstrips without stations. It was great learning far more about aircraft than I would otherwise (both rotary and fixed wing.)  I wasn't in love with Alabama and I certainly missed Tiburon and civilian life, but at least nobody was shooting at me! Keep in mind, the war in Viet Nam was raging hot and heavy. At that time, the Army had more aircraft than all the other services combined.
 
Meanwhile, brother Steve was getting out of his three-year Army hitch and moved into Station 11. Think the free rent may have been a good incentive. He continued living there for about a year and a half before Sausalito had an opening. He was hired by Chief Buck Masten in March of 1966. He still resided at TFD until getting married on April 6, 1968. Over the years Steve climbed the ladder to Sausalito Fire Chief.
 
All during my tour of duty after Basic Training, Chief Frank and I kept in touch by letters. Knowing what was happening and informed was greatly appreciated. My folks also kindly had an Independent Journal subscription mailed to me. About three months before being discharged, Chief Frank wrote that the District Board of Directors approved a promotion for me to Fire Engineer in 1964, based on performance evaluations from Fort Rucker's Fire Chief. I could not have been more thrilled.
 
Early in March of 1966, the new living quarters addition to Station 10 had been completed. I returned and moved back into Station11 and resumed my duties. Around this time the early Fire Science classes began through College of Marin, and I enrolled.
 
On August 12, 1967, I ended my Resident Volunteer status after marrying Barbara Hancock from San Rafael. After many years of taking Fire Science classes, an A.S. degree was finally achieved. For my last two years, I had the pleasure of serving under Chief Rosemary Bliss.
 
I'm very proud of my 35-year Fire Service career and that I got in on the ground floor of Chief Frank's vision and leadership for shaping the fine fire department it is today. I hung up my Captain's boots and retired on October 5, 1996. One of several items presented to me at my retirement party was the approval note from Mom to Chief Frank. Unfortunately the note is "MIA" - I don't know what happened to it.
 
Another active 20 years were spent with the Volunteer Association, not responding to calls, but coming back for monthly meetings, community events and all the fun stuff. It's all been a very gratifying time for me. I tend to keep things a long time...my career, residence, collector cars, and loving wife.

Station 1, circa 1964.

Station 2, 1965.

(l-r) Eileen, Larry, Barbara, and Janelle Bogel at Larry's retirement dinner in October of 1996.