LOS ANGELES — Two veteran firefighters who died trying to save the lives of dozens trapped in the largest wildfire in Los Angeles County history were remembered as heroes Saturday in a memorial service at Dodger Stadium attended by Vice President Joe Biden and others.
Capt. Tedmund “Ted” Hall and firefighter Spec. Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones were killed Aug. 30 when their truck plunged off a mountain road. They were trying to find an escape route for dozens of inmate-firefighters whose camp had become overrun by flames. The inmate-firefighters survived.
“Ted Hall and Arnie Quinones, you are giants in my eyes and in the eyes of all Californians,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Schwarzenegger recounted how the firefighters, with little concern for their own safety, drove toward the flames looking for a way out as the fire came bearing down on dozens of prison-inmate firefighters huddled in a dining hall high in the mountains. He said he was humbled by their bravery.
The often-emotional service in the cavernous stadium took place just a few miles south of the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, where the firefighters lost their lives and where their brethren are still battling to contain the Station wildfire.
The fire has burned across hundreds of square miles and destroyed more than 80 homes. It is now 84 percent contained and is expected to be fully contained Tuesday.
Biden said firefighters are quick to dismiss the term “hero,” but he added that Hall and Quinones were nonetheless part of a special breed.
“There’s a saying that all men are created equal, but then a few become firefighters,” Biden said.
After the last of the speakers, including friends and relatives, had delivered their remarks, several firefighting helicopters flew over the stadium in formation, a bugler played taps, and drummers and bagpipers performed a mournful version of “Amazing Grace.”
