Second in a series. 

Re: “What It Took to Fire up Chief White” 

In the most resonating terms at his command, here, says Fire Chief Dave White, is why, the summer after high school, he became “hooked”  on the fire service as a career.

After being accepted into the U.S. Forest Service because he wanted a summer job outdoors, it was fiery love at first sight when his rookie fire broke out two weeks along.

“I could not believe that I was hooked,” said the Pasadena native as wonderful memories volleyed back from 35 years ago. “It became my dream to pursue that as a career.”

What was the appeal?

Mr. White responded with a readiness, and slice of genuine vigor that suggested he has answered this question many times, a man in love with his chosen profession.

“The teamwork, the urgent nature of your tasks, the camaraderie, the satisfaction that you are tangibly helping save life and property,” the chief said, 10 months into his ultimate appointment.

This was the stimulating opening act of a soaring three-decade career, the last 27 years of which have been spent with the Culver City Fire Dept.

“I did four seasons with the Forest Service, and I went to college in between seasons,” said Mr. White, gaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal State Long Beach.