CAL FIRE crews pay tribute to firefighter killed 9 years ago on Monterey on-ramp
Colleagues paid tribute to a firefighter killed by a vehicle nine years ago in Thousand Palms.
Fire Apparatus Engineer Christopher Douglas, 41, was killed on July 5, 2013, when he was struck by a vehicle on the I-10 on-ramp at Monterey Avenue as he was getting ready to respond to an incident
Before his death, Douglas was an 8-year veteran of CAL FIRE. Douglas was a member of CAL FIRE Engine Company 35, based at the Roy Wilson Station in Thousand Palms but lived in Temecula with his wife and two-year-old child.
CAL FIRE crews gathered at the site of the deadly crash on Monday, planting a flag in his honor.
"This is what we do. We respect and honor and love. Each and every one of the firefighters, we're a family. They're our second family. And when something like this happens, we need to make sure that family is taken care of, and that we continue to honor Chris and his passing," said Retired CAL FIRE Captain Scott Visyak.
Nine years ago, Fire Apparatus Engineer Chris Douglas paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the citizens and visitors of Riverside County. Today we hold our fallen brother, his family, fire family & friends in our thoughts and our hearts. #WeWillAlwaysRememberYou #Topher #RVCfire pic.twitter.com/DAA6EtKPoW
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) July 5, 2022
Firefighters who spoke with News Channel 3 at the memorial today described him as a "firefighter's firefighter" and a loving and cheerful man.