RescueKujo

I think this one's going to come out entirely different from what some people think. In talking to a firefighter from the area familiar with what happened that day, here are some things besides the "jake brake" that may be determining factors... 1) In leaving their station in Moreno Valley on a cover assignment to Beaumont, it was not raining at that time. Just prior to the accident, the crew entered a downpour with limited visibility. The words to descibe it were "like parting a curtain and entering a waterfall". 2) The crew was in a nonenclosed backup engine. The firefighter who died was in the jumpseat (not sure if behind the Engineer or Captain). I'm sure things will shake out. Unfortunately, I feel this is a result of 1) out litigous society and 2) our society's willingness to play up the victim role. People feel there has to be some way to make them feel better, but is this it? I'm sorry folks, but sometimes no matter what you do, crap happens. It's a shame when it does, but the result is still the same.

Good job, guys. Recently joined the site, still working my way around. I like what I see so far.

Out here on the left coast the departments here in San Diego County all refer to the "driver" as the Engineer.

Yesterday, over 10,000 people paid their respects to the 5 USFS Firefighters who lost their lives that fateful morning. The service was punctuated with a flyover, first of 3 air tankers, then a 2nd wave of helicopters from different agencies. Many state and federal officals attended. May God bless you and your families Mark, Jess, Jason, Daniel and Pablo. May you watch over your fellow firefighters as they continue the job you all loved so much.