First-In Fire Foundation and GreenTree Landscaping recently partnered with personnel at Fire Station 61 to improve the landscaping in front of the station at 5821 W. Third Street.

Firefighter Justin Braxton (left) joined Engineer James Czubek, Firefighter Viet Le, Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society President Richard Battaglia, First-In Fire Foundation President Lyn MacEwen Cohen, Capt. Rick Crawford, and Jonathan Villaverde and Herberto Valle from GreenTree Landscaping at a recent project to improve the landscaping at Fire Station 61. (photo courtesy of Lyn MacEwen Cohen)

Initiated by former firefighter and GreenTree Landscaping owner Michael Baer, the project involved planting succulents and spreading mulch that complements existing cactus varieties and other landscaping added over six years ago. Landscapers weeded, aerated and amended the soil, trimmed white iceberg roses and refreshed the firehouse’s front yard.

“This Fire Station 61 is a successful model for LAFD in cooperation with First-In Fire Foundation and various supporters including the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society, who funded the original garden installation,” said Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society president Richard Battaglia. “We’re proud to help.”

The project is a community-fire department partnership that focuses on long-term relationships. Spring is a perfect time to refresh the firehouse landscape, expand partnerships, conserve resources and strengthen morale and resilience, First-In Fire Foundation President Lyn MacEwen Cohen said.

“As we nurture our gardens, we nurture ourselves,” Cohen added. “And we, by greening this model showcase firehouse garden, nurture those first responders that serve us so bravely and so well.

“We really appreciate all the community support and our teaming up with First-In Fire Foundation, especially right now when fire season is all seasons,” said LAFD Capt. Rick Crawford. “We look forward to growing partnerships within the community.”