Family and Friends Express Appreciation for Support in Parole Fight
The family and colleagues of fallen firefighter Thomas Taylor are expressing their appreciation to their firefighter family for helping to keep a murderous arsonist behind bars.
Nearly 32 years ago, Taylor, an L.A. City firefighter, was killed in a catastrophic arson fire at a North Hollywood restaurant. The arsonist who set that fire -- Mario Catanio -- was convicted of murder in the 1981 blaze, and has been behind bars since.
In July, Catanio was eligible for parole, but a massive nation-wide letter-writing campaign and persistent evidence of a lack of remorse prompted the Parole Board to deny Catanio's bid to be released. A viral campaign featuring an emotional CPF Firevision episode spotlighting the case contributed to the ourpouring of support for the Taylor family.
In appreciation, retired L.A. City firefighter Jeffrey Taylor, Tom Taylor's brother, hand delivered the following letter of appreciation to CPF President Lou Paulson at this past weekend's California Firefighters Memorial.
August 25, 2013
To Frank Lima and United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, California Professional Firefighters, and all the firefighters in the state of California.
We, the Taylor family, and Mike Reagan along with all firefighters involved in the Cugee's fire would like to thank you for your support in the letter writing campaign to keep the arsonist and murderer of our family member, Thomas Gregory Taylor, in prison for three more years.
Your letters had a great impact on the parole hearing board and (we) are grateful that we were successful. We hope to have your support in three more years when the next hearing should be held. Again, our family remains grateful that you stand together in supporting our family in Tom's honor.
Sincerely,
George Taylor (father)
Capt. II, L.A. City, Retired
Jeffrey Taylor (brother)
Firefighter II, L.A. City, Retired
Michael Reagan (colleague injured at the fire)
Battalion Chief, L.A. City, Retired)
CLICK HERE for background on the incident.