A community in Riverside County, California, gathered to pay their final respects to two firefighters who tragically died in a helicopter collision. Assistant Chief Josh Bischof and Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez were among the three people killed when two helicopters collided while battling a brush fire in Riverside County.
The mourners assembled at the Riverside County Coroner’s Office in Perris and lined the procession route to Evans Brown Mortuary in Menifee, where Bischof and Rodriguez were laid to rest.
The third victim of the collision was contract Pilot Tony Sousa. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on a Sunday night while responding to a 20-acre fire in a remote area in Cabazon. One helicopter managed to land safely without injuries. Unfortunately, the second chopper crashed, killing those onboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Statements of condolences and recognition of the firefighters’ bravery were issued by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Joe Biden.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that firefighters and other first responders face daily in their efforts to protect communities. It underscores the need for stringent safety measures and ongoing support for those who risk their lives in the line of duty.