Information regarding memorial services for CAL Fire/Riverside County Fire Department members, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, Assistant Chief Josh Bischof and pilot Tony Sousa have been shared.
"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of Division Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez and pilot Tony Sousa," Chief Bill Weiser said in an announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter. "In the wake of such tragedy, the overwhelming outpouring in support from our community has deeply moved us – all of us. "
The information for the memorial services of three Riverside County Firefighters who lost their lives while on duty have been shared by the Riverside County Fire Department/CAL FIRE. The three separate services will honor the lives of Rodriguez, Bischof and Sousa respectively, according to the announcement.
The memorial service in honor of Rodriguez is set to take place 11:30 a.m. Aug. 21, according to another post on X. The service will be held at the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, Calif.
A celebration of life event in remembrance of Bischof will be held 11 a.m. Aug. 24, the X post reported. The memorial will take place at the Toyota Arena, 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario, Calif.
A private memorial service for Sousa will be held 6 p.m. Aug. 25, X reported. The service is set to take place at a private lakeside ceremony event located in Gerber, Calif.
The three firefighters lost their lives after a midair collision occurred between a Sikorsky S-64E and a Bell 407 helicopter, according to a report from Coachella Valley Times. The larger Sikorsky successfully executed a safe landing. Unfortunately, the Bell 407 tragically crashed resulted in the deaths of Rodriguez, Bischof and Sousa.
Chief David Fulcher, of Cal Fire Southern Region, explained the Bell 407 was employed for observation and coordination tasks, while the Sikorsky was specifically designated for carrying out water or retardant drops to combat the fire, Coachella Valley Times reported.