RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ)– Cal Fire paid tribute to firefighters and a pilot killed in the line of duty in separate incidents occurring on August 6, nearly 20 years apart.
Cal Fire took the day to remember heroes Firefighter II Chris Kanton, Captain Tim Rodriguez, Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, and Pilot Tony Sousa, who made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.
Firefighter II Chris Kanton, 23, was involved in a fatal engine crash on August 6, 2005, while responding to an emergency call for assistance in Riverside County. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation say he completed three years as a seasonal firefighter in Riverside County and served on the HAZMAT team at Station 81 near Palm Springs.
Kanton became a recipient for the Medal of Valor for his act of heroism in 2006 and is still thought of fondly by the community as the 20 year remembrance day of this tragic event takes place…