Remember my post on Tuesday about blogger Steve Smith's grandmother and her broken ankle? Brian Humphrey, the blogging public information officer for the L.A. Fire Department, visited Smith's site, read the account, and posted a comment:

I was sorry to hear about your Grandmother's injury and hospitalization. Though your comments were largely isolated to her hospital experience, I'd like to make sure that the Paramedic team that responded did everything possible to make her - and therefore you, comfortable in her time of duress. When time permits, please e-mail any thoughts or concerns regarding the work of our Paramedic team and any other LAFD responders to my attention at the e-mail address above.

Respectfully,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Paramedic
Public Information Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

...yes, the LAFD reads local blogs. If you want to properly serve a community, you first have to listen!

Earlier this week on the LAFD incident blog, Humphrey posted a list of helpful hints, links and phone numbers for staying safe in the storms. He included the hotline numbers to all the big home insurers. As he posts, "Remember - Knowledge is Power!" Humphrey signs his posts, "Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service." OK, now imagine Los Angeles if this were the relationship that more Angelenos had with the LAPD. Brian Humphrey for Mayor!

By the way, the LAFD blog promises to begin a podcast soon.