Fallen Firefighter Memorial Dedication in Sacramento

Robert Brady, Angeles National Forest

By mid-morning Saturday, April 6, 2002, Capitol Park in Sacramento was a sea of fire uniforms, dress blues, station uniforms, and greens with pine tree badges. The sun was warm with scattered clouds changing the shadow patterns on the walks, lawns and uniforms.

Some two thousand strong, the men and women who work in "Fire" came from all over California, out of areas like Kitchen Creek, and Cathy's Valley. They came to help dedicate the Fallen Firefighters' Memorial.

Eight hundred and fifty-five guests of honor, their names inscribed in polished limestone, were present "In memory," as one said. However, the changing shadow patterns seemed to suggest otherwise. A breeze could lightly tap a shoulder and turn a head. Clouds vying with the dome of the State Capitol brought some inquisitive stares.

Included on the Memorial were six names from the Angeles National Forest (ANF). Carl Masterson, Lopez Canyon Patrolman: trapped in a ravine and overrun by fire (Bryant Fire 1947 ANF). Carl was the brother of Hugh Masterson, a longtime employee of the forest. Norm White: caught when fire hooked beneath him (Gun Fire 1958 ANF). Mike Rushworth, Dalton Hotshots: sustained burns from fire whirl that crossed fireline on a brush fire above Sierra Madre (Sierra Fire 1961 ANF). George Scribner, Monte Cristo Engine Foreman: swept away in a flashflood while working a structure fire at a nearby camp on a stormy winter night (Hidden Springs Fire 1978 ANF). George Lopez, Helitack crew: on board helicopter that crashed in San Gabriel Canyon (Fork Fire ANF 1970). Gilbert Lopez, Green Valley Engine Foreman: trapped by fast moving brush fire near Elizabeth Lake trying to save his engine. (Elizabeth Fire ANF 1981). Gilbert was the brother of George Lopez.

Intensity is the element that fire keeps close to the vest. The intensities of structure-weakening heat, flame, backdrafts, sudden fire runs, and blow-ups sometimes have dire consequences in spite of training, research, and experience. This is the danger bond between the resting firefighters and those about to honor them by marching from the Capitol to the Memorial site in spring air laced with the scent of lilacs, new leaves, freshly cut grass and a plethora of spring flowers.

The procession of uniforms poured out of the Capitol in two lines that melded into one broad line down the walkway to applauding spectators and family. The Forest Service Color Guard marched ahead of the column with a half dozen other color guards and the Pipes and Drums detachment of the California Professional Firefighters Organization.

Lt. Governor Cruz Busamonte led the flag salute, and Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Mike Wilson sang the National Anthem. Dan Terry, President of the California Professional Firefighters gave the opening speech. "They are 855 different stories and every one of them is unique and important," he said. "This Memorial is a monument to the commitment and self-sacrifice of our profession."

Governor Gray Davis said, "They gave their lives for a cause larger than all of us." Redlands Fire Chief Mel Enslow talked of losing a loved one. His son Kenneth, a firefighter with the California Department of Forestry (CDF) lost his life when struck by a falling tree limb on a fire in Mendocino County. Kenneth's likeness was used as one of the firefighters in the "Holding the Line" statue unveiled at the ceremony. The bronze statue depicts four firefighters working a high-pressure fire hose. Another statue grimly portrays a firefighter carrying a fallen comrade.

Carol and Bill Golden were present at the ceremony. They lost their son Bryan Golden, a firefighter with the Stockton Fire Department, who at age 20 lost his life in a building collapse on his very first fire assignment. "It's very painful to see this," Carol Golden said as she looked at Bryan's name on the Memorial, "but we're very proud of him." The ceremony concluded with soloist Becky James singing "Angel."

Refreshments and tables were set up in an area adjacent to the Memorial. Firefighters, family and friends grouped around the wall of names and monuments, talking, visiting, and remembering. Some, with fingers touching the polished limestone, seemed to be carrying on a private communication with a certain name. Tracing an etched name slowly on parchment paper, some people were taking a loved one home. A fire truck, brass and paint gleaming, stood like a soldier at parade rest, its aerial ladder holding up a gigantic American flag.

The men and women who made up the sea of uniforms scattered into smaller enclaves with friends and families, enjoyed the refreshments and visited as the sights and sounds of the city filled the afternoon with life. As if on cue, a siren wailed and a red fire truck with firefighters in turn-out coats went down the street answering a call. They always come when called. The sun shone bright and the blue sky and white clouds offered a comfortable backdrop to a warm spring day.

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