LA County Firefighter Memorial at Hensley's Pub

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Fallen Los Angeles County Firefighters Ted Hall and Arnie Quinones

The Los Angeles County Fire Department lost two of its own on August 30, 2009, when Captain Tedmund "Ted" Hall and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones perished during the Station Fire.  Hall and Quinones died when their fire department vehicle plunged off of a mountain road as they were looking for an escape route for their inmate firefighters, whose camp had been overrun by flames.  To pay tribute to the firefighters and raise money for their families, the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of California held a special fundraiser at Hensley's Pub in Carlsbad, California.

Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Organize Fundraiser at Hensley's Pub

Members of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund organized a small concert at the popular venue, and bar patrons made generous donations in memory of the two fallen firefighters, something that the non-profit organization does whenever a California firefighter is injured or passes away in the line of duty.  Jim Colston of the Terry Farrell Fund explained why they raise funds for each firefighter, saying, "We can't replace him, we can't, but hopefully we can do something with the monetary donation that helps them buy something or create a memorial in his name or something that this family is really proud of."

History and Mission of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund

The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund was established in New York City by the family of fallen FDNY firefighter, Terry Farrell, who perished on September 11th at the World Trade Center.  Since 2002, Brian Farrell, Terry's brother, and the rest of the Farrell family, have made it their mission to raise funds for the families of injured and fallen firefighters and for underfunded fire departments that are in dire need of equipment or fire apparatus.  The organization has become national in scope, with chapters across the United States helping firefighters in their own states.

The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund is known for giving the firefighters and fire departments all of the money they collect.  The organization is humble about their work, as Colston explains, "We are not out filling the boot.  We are not out trying to raise a lot of media attention for our line of duty death folks.  We're here to support the family.  We do a lot of behind the scenes things."  Despite the low profile that they keep, the organization has been very successful in its fundraising efforts, as those who hear about their mission are quick to support it.  Since July 1, 2009, the California chapter alone was able to raise $10,000 to help the families of injured or fallen firefighters.

San Diego County Pipes and Drums Band

Also on-hand at the memorial fundraiser for Captain Hall and Firefighter Specialist Quinones was the San Diego County Pipes and Drums band.  Member Bill Hoffman also attended the memorial service for both men held at Dodger's Stadium, and he explained why the fire service comes together and why his group goes to all of the funerals and fundraisers they can, saying, "We're a big brotherhood so we're all there for each other."

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