US Forest Service Engine 57 Memorial Baseball Tournament to be Held October 23rd & 24th

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On the morning of October 26, 2006, US Forest Service Engine 57, was overtaken by fire during the Esperanza Fire.  Five US Forest Service firefighters died in the line of duty.

Family members of the fallen firefighters have organized a baseball tournament to remember their loved ones and raise money for charity. 

On Saturday October 23 at 10:00 a.m., we will have a short tribute to the brave firefighters of Engine 57, lead by the United States Forest Service Honor Guard.  The Forest Service will have static displays onsite during the game. The tribute and games are open to the public and media.

For more information on how to participate in the baseball tournament visit:  http://www.usfs-engine57.com/.

Fallen Firefighters of US Forest Service Engine 57

Mark Loutzenhiser,  Engine Captain, was 44 years old and had 21 years of service. He was a certified Emergency Management Technician (EMT). He had worked previously as a hotshot crewman for the Vista Grande Hot Shots and also as a volunteer firefighter for Riverside County. He majored in fire science at Mt. San Jacinto College. He was a long-time resident of Idyllwild, Calif. where he was a great supporter and coach for the youth sports program.

Jess McLean, Fire Engine Operator, was 27 years old and had 7 years of service. He had been a hotshot for three years with Vista Grande. He graduated from Banning High School in 1997 and attended fire science classes at Crafton Hills College. He was a resident of Beaumont, Calif.

Jason McKay, Assistant Fire Engine Operator, was 27 years old and had 5 years of Forest Service experience and four years as a volunteer firefighter in Adelanto. He also served on the Mojave Greens Type II crew. He was a certified EMT and earned an associate's degree in Fire Science. He was a resident of Phelan, Calif.

Daniel Hoover-Najera, Firefighter, was 20 years old and was in his second season of firefighting. He worked on the Tahquitz Type II crew in 2005 and was a seasonal employee in 2006. He graduated from San Jacinto Mountain View High School in 2004. He was a resident of San Jacinto, Calif.

Pablo Cerda, was a 23-year-old Firefighter in his second season with the Forest Service. He was previously of the Tahquitz Type II crew. He graduated from Los Amigos High School in Santa Ana in 2001 and attended Fire Academy of Riverside Community College. He was a resident of Fountain Valley, Calif.



Author:US Forest Service Press Release