Fire season is always challenging in Southern California. This particular season, however, is proving to be especially tough for the heroic men and women fighting the fires in Los Angeles County and the people they are protecting.
Sunday was a devastating day for all of us in public safety and a solemn reminder of the dangers we all face every day. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families, colleagues and friends of the two LA County firefighters who died while fighting the Station Fire.
Fire Captain Tedmund “Ted'” Hall, 47, of San Bernardino County, and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones, 35, of Palmdale, were killed when their vehicle went over the side of a road during intense fire activity near Mount Gleason. Hall had been with county fire for 26 years, while Quinones had been with the department for eight years.
In Southern California, we have the finest and bravest firefighters protecting a huge population and a vast amount of property on a city, county and regional basis. The mutual aid provided by countless agencies is a credit to the planning, dedication and professionalism of everyone involved.
As we extend our deepest condolences for the loss of Captain Hall and Specialist Quinones, we also express sincere gratitude to our brothers and sisters on the front lines as they work through another long, hot day.Thank you for all you do.
