News Release Date: December 7, 2006
EMMITSBURG, MD. - On October 26, 2006, five firefighters of the United States Forest Service lost their lives in the Esperanza Fire in Southern California. On November 5, 2006, thousands of firefighters from across the nation came together in Devore, California to remember the ultimate sacrifices of Mark Loutzenhiser, Jason McKay, Jess McLean, Daniel Hoover Najera and Pablo Cerda in service to their nation.
As a tribute to these firefighters, the United States Fire Administration, through its National Preparedness Network (PREPnet), has made available a 2 minute and a 20 minute remembrance video package available through Web streaming. The memorial service is available for viewing through the links below:
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U.S. Forest Service Engine 57 Memorial Service (20 Minutes)
U.S. Forest Service Engine 57 Memorial Service (2 Minutes)"We are honored to be able to share the Esperanza Memorial Service with all firefighters of this great nation," said U.S. Acting Fire Administrator Charlie Dickinson. "We will never forget the sacrifices of these U.S. Forest Service firefighters of the San Jacinto Ranger District Engine 57 nor should we ever forget all of the families who have lost loved ones this year."