Thousands Give Emotional Sendoff To Fallen LA County Firefighters
On a sun-splashed morning, the fire service gathered to say goodbye to the two of its finest … men who were, by any measure of the word, heroes.
At a somber but inspiring ceremony attended by thousands of uniformed personnel and ordinary citizens, firefighters, friends, family and visiting dignitaries paid tribute Saturday to fallen Los Angeles County firefighters Captain Ted Hall and Specialist Arnie Quinones.
The two men sacrificed their lives August 30 when, while struggling to save the 50 people in their inmate fire camp, their vehicle plunged over an embankment. They were killed battling the 160,000-acre Station Fire.
The emotional tribute, held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, featured traditional fire service remembrances that reflected not only on those who died, but the calling for which they gave their lives. Among those paying tribute were Vice President Joseph Biden, a longtime friend of the fire service.
"Men like Ted and Arnie have few equals,” said Vice President Joseph Biden. “Two men tell others to hunker down and race to find a way out. Now that’s real courage.”
Agencies from throughout the nation gathered among the roughly 8,000 people in attendance. About 300 pieces of apparatus from dozens of departments encircled the sprawling park, and honor guards from dozens of departments from California and the nation participated.
In addition to Biden, the ceremony featured tributes from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, LA Supervisor Don Knabe, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, LA Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman and Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014 President Dave Gillotte.
"We are not the same department or the same local, today,” said Gillotte. "The reason is that Ted and Arnie are not with us. Ted and Arnie are irreplaceable. Each brother was one of a kind."
Most moving were the tributes by those closest to the two men, who themselves worked together supervising inmate fire crews at LA County’s Camp 16 in the Angeles National Forest. Captain Joseph Santero, who entered the fire service with Hall more than two decades ago, said his friend’s commitment made you want to do your job better.
“Ted lost his life saving the lives of almost 70 firemen … I can’t think of anything more noble and courageous than that,” said Santero. “I have worked with the best and the bravest firefighters for 26 years. I can stand here in front of all of you and say without a doubt, that Captain Ted Hall was the bravest most heroic man I have ever known.”
Firefighter Specialist Rob Morales was a close friend of Quinones who worked with the two at Camp 16. He was one of those 70 firefighters whom Hall and Quinones had sought to rescue.
“I watched as Arnie jumped in Ted’s truck and they drove down to the road,” recalled Morales. “I witnessed my friend deliver on every promise that he had ever made. He was brave. He was strong. He was noble. He upheld the promise that he would have my back. He was the ‘first in’ and he was the ‘last out.’”
Brothers Hall and Quinones received the sendoff befitting honored heroes, with an LA County Fire helicopter flyover, the sounding of the Last Alarm and the playing of “Amazing Grace” by the Pipes and Drums of the California Professional Firefighters.
Local 1014 noted with appreciation the generosity of the Dodger organization, not only for opening the stadium, but for its involvement in the process. The team even provided game-used bases with stencils bearing the names of the two lost firefighters and the imprint of the Camp 16 patch.
"Just to watch the outpouring of all the firefighters from around the nation, particularly from Los Angeles County and the city of LA was unbelievably touching," said Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. "It shows what a strong family they are and how they really do come out and make sure that their brethren are remembered."
Brother Hall is survived by his wife, Katherine, sons Randall and Steven and his parents, Roland and Donna. Brother Quinones is survived by his wife Loressa, who is expecting their first child, his mother Sonia Del Valle and his brother Ozzie. The only family member who spoke, Ozzie Quinones expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support and love shown by the fire service and by a grateful California.
“I just want to say thank you to all, from the bottom of our hearts. He is gone, but he will never be forgotten.”
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE MEMORIAL
ANOTHER NICE PHOTO GALLERY CAN BE FOUND HERE