CAL FIRE announces livestream plans for memorial ceremonies of firefighters killed in Cabazon helicopter crash
The celebration of life ceremonies for two of the three firefighters killed in a helicopter crash while battling a fire in Cabazon will be livestreamed, the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department announced on Thursday.
Cal Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and contracted pilot Tony Sousa were killed in the collision.
"In the wake of the profound losses the community has experienced, the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department is committed to ensuring that all who wish to pay their respects can do so," reads the department's announcement.
Livestreaming options will be provided for the celebrations of life for Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez and Assistant Chief Josh Bischof via the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department YouTube Channel.
Celebration of Life for Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez
- Date: August 21, 2023
- Time: 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Ontario Convention Center, Ontario, CA
- Watch Online: http://youtube.com/RiversideCountyFire/live…
Celebration of Life for Assistant Chief Josh Bischof
- Date: August 24, 2023
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Toyota Arena, Ontario, CA
- Watch Online: http://youtube.com/RiversideCountyFire/live…
The celebration of life for Pilot Tony Sousa will remain private, with no livestreaming available.
"The CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the community for its outpouring of support and solidarity. Offering the livestream underscores the Department’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement during these trying times. Viewers should visit the YouTube link a few minutes before the service to ensure a seamless viewing experience."
- CAL FIRE
The livestreams will also be archived on the YouTube channel for those who wish to view them later.
The three firefighters died after two helicopters collided mid-air in Cabazon on Aug. 6.
"We have lost 3 great individuals, 3 fathers, 3 husbands, 3 friends," said Cal Fire Southern Region Chief Dave Fulcher.
More: Condolences pour in from across the nation after deadly firefighting helicopter crash
The aftermath of the helicopter crash has prompted a comprehensive investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
"We’ll examine the airframe, the engine and other components as necessary," said Eleazar Nepomuceno, an NTSB aviation accident investigator. "Once the wreckage has been recovered, our team will collect archived information which will include the pilot, the machine, and the environment."
NTSB officials have announced that a complete investigation will take 18 to 24 months, with a preliminary report expected within 15 days. In the meantime, NTSB investigators plan to use drones to photograph the wreckage from all angles and throughout various times of the day.
