Stancil Jones
Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project
The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007. As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.
National Capital Contracting
Stancil G. Jones was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Stancil Jones was born on August 3, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. His family frequently visited Terminal Island, fostering his early interest in the harbor and surrounding areas. The interview explores Jones' extensive career with the Los Angeles Fire Department, particularly his experiences working with fireboats in the harbor. He recounts his early fascination with the harbor area, which ultimately led him to a career in firefighting. Jones details his entry into the Fire Department after World War II and his subsequent transfer to San Pedro, where he built a home and became deeply involved in the community. Jones recalls major incidents he encountered as a firefighter, including the notorious Sansinena tanker explosion and the StarKist fire on Terminal Island in the 1970s. He describes the challenges of fighting fires in the unique environment of the harbor, where industrial hazards and the presence of large machinery pose additional risks. His stories also touch on the evolution of firefighting techniques and equipment over the decades, highlighting the advancements in safety and technology that have transformed the profession. Throughout the interview, Jones reflects on the camaraderie and commitment of his fellow firefighters and the broader significance of the fire services in the Port of Los Angeles.
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