Celebrations Of Life For 2 RivCo Firefighters Will Be Livestreamed

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — In an effort to ensure that all who wish to pay their respects can do so, celebrations of life for two Cal Fire/Riverside County firefighters who died in a helicopter crash earlier this month will be livestreamed, authorities announced Thursday.

The celebration of life for Captain Tim Rodriguez, 44, of San Jacinto is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way. The livestream will be available on the fire department's YouTube channel here.

The celebration of life for Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, 46, of Menifee takes place at 11 a.m. Aug. 24 at the Toyota Arena, 4000 Ontario Center in Ontario, and will be livestreamed on the same channel here.

The videos will be archived on the channel for those who wish to view them later, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

"The CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the community for its outpouring of support and solidarity," a released statement from the agency read. "Offering the livestream underscores the Department’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement during these trying times."

A celebration of life for 55-year-old helicopter pilot Tony Sousa of Red Bluff, who also died in the crash, will remain private, according to the fire department.

The 6:55 p.m. Aug. 6 crash that killed the three men occurred during a battle to combat a Cabazon brush fire. The crash near Pipeline Road and Apache Trail involved a Sikorsky S-64E helicopter and a Bell 407 helicopter and killed all aboard the Bell, according to the National Transportation Safety Board and Riverside County sheriff's officials.

"While engaged in the firefight, two helicopters collided. The first helicopter was able to land safely nearby. Unfortunately, the second helicopter crashed and, tragically, all three members perished," Cal Fire Southern Region Chief David Fulcher said in a media briefing after the deaths.

"Our hearts are broken at the loss of our colleagues, mentors, and friends. Josh and Tim were exceptional firefighters and people. We grieve with their families and loved ones, and our prayers are with them," Cal Fire Riverside Chief Bill Weiser said in a statement.

The NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration and personnel from the helicopter manufacturers, Bell and Sikorsky, are all investigating the accident.