The men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department extend our support and sympathy to our brothers and sisters in public safety at the Los Angeles Fire Department. The colleagues of fallen Firefighter Brent A. Lovrein, along with his family and friends, are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Firefighter Lovrein died tragically in an explosion that rocked a Westchester business district on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. Firefighters from Station 95 were opening a metal-clad door on an electrical equipment vault to check for smoke when the blast occurred, killing Lovrein and injuring a second firefighter, Engineer Anthony J. Guzman. A civilian received minor injuries as well. An LAFD investigation is underway to determine the exact nature of the explosion, as well as the precise cause of Firefighter Lovrien's death.

The LAPD knows all too well the pain and sadness that accompany a loss of this nature. Our hearts are with the LAFD now and always.

Please see the LAFD blog for more information on the deadly explosion.