A guard stands next to a wreath and the firefighters' memorial Saturday in Sacramento. |
Two late Brawley firefighters were honored Saturday along with 28 other California firefighters at the California Firefighter Memorial in Sacramento.
Lt. James Rose died of job-related throat cancer in 1997 and Capt. Mark Franks died last year of a job-related heart attack.
Their names were added to a memorial wall, and their service recognized in a ceremony attended by Gov. Jerry Brown.
“The 30 individuals whose names we add to it today represent the best of our state and its people,” California Professional Firefighters President Lou Paulson wrote in a press release. “In adding their names to this proud memorial, we pay tribute to their honor and sense of duty, and we commit to their loved ones that we will always remember what they gave for our state.”
Brawley Fire Chief Frank Contreras went to Sacramento for the ceremony on behalf of the department.
“I know he felt very connected to those two gentlemen,” Brawley fire Capt. Jesse Zendejas said.
The loss of a colleague affects the whole department, he explained.
“We see it as a loss of a family member. It’s a brotherhood thing,” he said. “We hate to see that happen because it’s a big loss to us and to families and the community they serve. All our prayers go out to their loved ones and family members.”
Zendejas recalls Franks as being a “very dedicated fire officer that loved his job.”
Franks worked for 29 years in fire service both in California and Texas. He had numerous fire certifications including emergency medical technician, investigator, hazardous materials and was a certified FBI-trained bomb technician.
Rose “was a kind-hearted person that loved his job and loved children,” Zendejas said.
Rose worked for more 20 years with the Brawley Fire Department and also served as coach for a local Little League team for many years.
More than 1,200 names of firefighters who died in service since California became a state in 1850 are on the California Firefighter Memorial Wall in Sacramento.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
Lt. James Rose died of job-related throat cancer in 1997 and Capt. Mark Franks died last year of a job-related heart attack.
Their names were added to a memorial wall, and their service recognized in a ceremony attended by Gov. Jerry Brown.
“The 30 individuals whose names we add to it today represent the best of our state and its people,” California Professional Firefighters President Lou Paulson wrote in a press release. “In adding their names to this proud memorial, we pay tribute to their honor and sense of duty, and we commit to their loved ones that we will always remember what they gave for our state.”
Brawley Fire Chief Frank Contreras went to Sacramento for the ceremony on behalf of the department.
“I know he felt very connected to those two gentlemen,” Brawley fire Capt. Jesse Zendejas said.
The loss of a colleague affects the whole department, he explained.
“We see it as a loss of a family member. It’s a brotherhood thing,” he said. “We hate to see that happen because it’s a big loss to us and to families and the community they serve. All our prayers go out to their loved ones and family members.”
Zendejas recalls Franks as being a “very dedicated fire officer that loved his job.”
Franks worked for 29 years in fire service both in California and Texas. He had numerous fire certifications including emergency medical technician, investigator, hazardous materials and was a certified FBI-trained bomb technician.
Rose “was a kind-hearted person that loved his job and loved children,” Zendejas said.
Rose worked for more 20 years with the Brawley Fire Department and also served as coach for a local Little League team for many years.
More than 1,200 names of firefighters who died in service since California became a state in 1850 are on the California Firefighter Memorial Wall in Sacramento.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
