LODD: Fallen FFs Remembered As Committed, Caring Professionals
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| LA Co. Fire Capt. Tedmond "Ted" Hall |
One of them had two sons who were college age. The other was weeks away from meeting his first child.
Yesterday, both joined the mournful pantheon of firefighters who have paid the ultimate price to protect families like those they leave behind.
On Sunday, Los Angeles Fire Captain Tedmund "Ted" Hall and Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones gave their lives trying to protect dozens of others from a terrifying burnover, during a fierce battle with the Station Fire.
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATES ON MEMORIAL SERVICES AND FAMILY TRIBUTES
Brothers Hall and Quinones were working together in a backfiring operation, performing structure protection in support of Fire Camp 16, which was threatened by the onrushing flames. About a dozen fire and corrections personnel and over 50 inmate firefighters were trapped by the fast-moving flames. As they desperately sought escape for their people in the heavy smoke and limited visibility, their vehicle fell off an embankment into the flames.
Brother Hall was 47 years old, with 26 years on the job. Brother Quinones was 35, with eight years of service. Hall was married with two sons. Quinones was married and expecting his first child within three weeks.
Both were veterans of Fire Camp duty -- Hall was the Camp 16 superintendent, and Quinones was a foreman.
"Ted was always stepping up for a leadership role," said John Bishop, a board member of L.A. County Firefighters Local 1014. "He was all about getting it right, and he was always looking out for his crew."
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| LA Co. Fire Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones |
Bishop worked closely with Hall for several years, said Hall had actively sought advancement, and had built Camp 16 into a cohesive unit.
Quinones, said Bishop, was an extremely popular among his peers, and had worked in the fire camp for about three years.
"He was extremely well-liked, and well-respected," said Bishop. "A genuinely nice guy."
FIREFIGHTERS DIE IN 'SELFLESS' EFFORT TO SAVE OTHERS -- Los Angeles Times
Information on memorial services is pending as of Monday. (Click HERE for the latest).
Memorial funds are being established for the families, but in the meantime, donations can be earmarked for the families of Brothers Hall and Quinones and sent to:
Los Angeles County Firefighters Benefit Fund
3460 Fletcher Ave.
El Monte, CA 91731
For more information, call (310) 639-1014