Good afternoon all,

It is with profound sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of a hero, Fire Fighter Specialist Tonya Burns.   Fire Fighter Specialist Tonya L. Burns,  passed away after a long-term illness on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at the age of 48. 

Tonya was a living history maker with a very rich and distinguished career in the fire service.  What made Tonya historic were the barriers she broke during her years in the fire service. Tonya honored us all at the Los Angeles County Fire Department by being the first black female firefighter serving the citizens of Los Angeles County. Being the first allowed her the opportunity to open doors for others that came behind her, and for that, we are forever indebted to this courageous woman. 

There are so many contributions that we would like to acknowledge about this mother, sister, wife, friend, loyal Stentorian, and firefighter but let me not attempt to recount her various distinctions in this announcement. This will be saved for another day but, I would be negligent if I did not state that Tonya not only represented Los Angeles County Fire with distinction, she in a life of many honorable mentions, was the original class president of the third EDI class at FAMU. 

As the angels sing in harmony, many of us mourn and many find the heart to celebrate a wonderful life.  It is my hope that you stand as we salute this wonderful mother, wife, firefighter, hero, history maker, sister, loyal Stentorian, and friend.  

We will miss dear Tonya. We will miss our dear friend.

With deep sincerity,
Brent Burton