Thursday's Celebration Of Life Procession Route For RivCo Firefighter

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — A procession route to a celebration of life for fallen Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, 46, of Menifee was announced Tuesday.

Thursday's route from Moreno Valley to Ontario begins at 10:25 a.m. with a final destination of the Toyota Arena at 4000 Ontario Center, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department. See the route below:

Well-wishers and personnel unable to attend Bischof's celebration of life are encouraged to pay their final respects along one of the overpasses on Thursday's procession route, according to the fire department.

A celebration of life for Captain Tim Rodriguez, 44, of San Jacinto took place Monday at the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way.

Bischof and Rodriguez were killed in an Aug. 6 helicopter crash that occurred during a battle to combat a Cabazon brush fire. Also killed in the crash was 55-year-old pilot Tony Sousa of Red Bluff. His services were remaining private, according to the fire department.

The 6:55 p.m. 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.