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PEOPLE: Todays By Rick Orlov LOS ANGELES--Los Angeles will say farewell today to three of its heroes,
firefighters who died last week in the line of duty while trying to save the life of a
little girl. Services for Apparatus Operator Michael McComb, Firefighter-Paramedic Eric
Reiner and Firefighter-Paramedic Michael Butler will begin at the fire stations where they
had served. Afterward, fire engines bearing the caskets will lead a procession to the
Sprits Arena in downtown Los Angeles, where a memorial ceremony is expected to draw
thousands of firefighters from across California. Private funeral services will be held
later today. If thats any consolation--and I know its hard on the
families--but they died doing what they wanted, to try to save the life of this little
girl, to get her better care, said Capt. Steve Ruda of the Los Angeles Fire
Department. Citizens are invited to attend ceremonies. I encourage every resident to
come show their support by lining the procession, said Los Angeles Mayor Richard
Riordan, who will take part in the service. And, if thats not possible, to
drive with their headlights on. Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Scott Brown said
there will be about a dozen representatives of his department at todays service.
The fire service is a close-knit family and whenever a tragedy like this occurs,
firefighters regardless of jurisdiction, come together to honor fallen heroes, he
said. L.A. city would be here for us, as with any fire agency. Brown added,
Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones. This should be a
reminder to everyone as to how dangerous this profession is. Saturday, March 28,
1998 L.A. plans large-scale tribute to three fallen firefighters In addition to the Fire
Authority, there will be representatives of 12 other fire agencies from Orange County
attending. The three men were killed, along with 12-year-old Norma Vides, when the
helicopter air ambulance in which they were flying crashed in Griffith Park. The cause of
the crash remains under investigation buy the National Transportation Safety Board, which
is focusing on why a rear rotor came off. Two other firefighters, including the pilot,
remain hospitalized and are not expected to attend the services. At the same time
firefighters grieve the loss of one of their own, they said they also are mourning the
only civilian to die in the crash. We did not forget that little girl who died with
us, said Ruda. Firefighters gave several thousand dollars out of their own
pockets to help the family. We want to help that family out. She is part of our
family now, Ruda said. McComb, who was six months from retirement, was cremated
Friday, said Ruda. Firefighters will lay out his turnout coat and uniform at Fire Station
90 at 7921 Woodman Ave. in Van Nuys, during the half-hour service. At the same time,
firefighters from Fire Station 81, at 14123 Nordhoff St. in Arleta, will hold a service
for Butler and Reiner. Reiner and Butler were close friends, each serving as the
others best man at their weddings, and Butler was godfather to Reiners
children, Ruda said. Reiner was going to be the godfather for Butlers first child,
due in five months. After the ceremonies at the fire stations, the firefighters
caskets will be placed on twin engines and driven in a procession to downtown Los Angeles.
The procession will gather at Figueroa Street and Jefferson Boulevard and proceed to the
Sports Arena for the service, which will feature remarks by Riordan, Fire Chief William R.
Bamattre and other officials. Ruda said the ceremony is especially difficult, coming only
two weeks after services for fire Capt. Joseph C. Dupee, who died while battling a fire in
South Central Los Angeles. Its still like an open wound, Ruda said.
We havent been able to properly mourn Joe Dupee and now we have multiple
deaths. Up to now, the LAFD enjoyed a remarkable safe record. There were no on-duty
fatalities for 14 years until Dupees death March 8. ________________________________________________ |
The Orange County Register |
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