Garrett Paiz remembered by fellow firefighters
We’re learning more about a firefighter with local ties who died while battling a fire in Northern California last week.
Garrett Paiz was born and raised in Mecca but spent the last year as a firefighter in Noel, Missouri.
Paiz died on Oct. 16 when a water tanker truck he was driving flipped over and off a road.
“Anytime we had a wildland fire around where we were, he was always the leader. He would come out and show other guys how do certain things and stuff like that. He was very passionate,” Noel Fire Chief Brandon Barrett said.
Riverside County Cal Fire and Noel firefighters gathered at Destiny Church in Indio on Thursday to finalize details for Paiz’s funeral service.
The service will be live streamed at 11 a.m. and can be watched here.
Barrett said Paiz was known for his sense of humor and kindhearted, earning him the nickname, Taco.
“He drew the short straw to go collect tacos for everyone at the fire lines. He was just refreshing to have around; a fun guy to be around,” Barrett said.
“He was very passionate about the fire service. He lived for the fire service,” Barrett said.
Read: Procession held for Garrett Paiz
Riverside County Cal Fire, the Noel Fire Department and Paiz’s family will lay him to rest Friday.
“It’ll be tough, it’ll be tough. I’m not looking forward to it, to be honest with you but we’ll push through the best we can. He was a one of our brother’s.”
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