Code Red (American TV series)

Overview

The show follows Lorne Greene as Battalion Fire Chief Joe Rorchek, who commands a Los Angeles Fire Department unit that includes his adult sons, Ted and Chris, played by Andrew Stevens and Sam J. Jones. Also serving under Rorchek is Haley Green, portrayed by Martina Deignan, who is the LAFD’s first female firefighter and earns respect both on the job and as a family friend. Joe’s preteen adopted son, Danny Blake, played by Adam Rich, is a member of the Firefighter Explorers and wears his own uniform and turnout gear.

Though still a child, Danny dreams of becoming a firefighter like his family and uses his calm demeanor, fire safety knowledge, and first aid skills in various adventures. Joe’s wife, Ann, played by Julie Adams, supports her husband and sons despite the dangers of their work. The series began with a television movie where Joe worked as an arson investigator chasing a firebomb-wielding criminal, while his sons fought the resulting fires and Green tried to prove herself to skeptical firefighter Al Martelli, played by Jack Lindine.

When the show went into production, Greene’s character was reassigned to command Station 1, a large waterfront facility based on the real LAFD Station 49, which was used for exterior shots. This station houses Pumper 1, Truck 1, Wagon 1, Battalion 6 for Chief Rorchek, a helicopter flown by Chris, and a fireboat moored at an on-site dock. Because the show aired on early Sunday evenings as family programming, many episodes end with a cast member directly addressing viewers about fire safety and first aid.