A Hero's Farewell

Driving home on the 210 freeway I suddenly saw the distinctive red and blue flashing lights of two CHP motorcycle officers in my rearview mirror. I was nervous because yes I was speeding. I slowed down as they passed. We thought it was traffic from the county fair. Then I noticed several motorcycle officers coming up quickly and fire trucks behind them. Now we thought maybe there was an accident ahead.

As vehicles started to slow, we saw all the police and fire vehicles come alongside us and it was at that time my wife said it must be the motorcade for one of the fallen firefighters in the Station Fire. It was, for Captain Ted Hall. When we came to the next overpass it was then that we noticed all the people, fire trucks, and other fire fighters on the overpass paying homage to their brother. It was incredible to see the men standing on their trucks either saluting or with their hats or helmets over their heart. The ladder trucks had huge American flags. It was heart wrenching as we went under every overpass from San Dimas to the I15 freeway watching the same scene. I was choked up as my wife and I drove past the same sight over and over for miles. We shared our moment of silence.

This blog is in homage to both Captain Hall and Specialist Quinones. This blog is in homage to all who give their lives in service to us (firefighters, police, and military).

-Richard