Funeral Plans Announced For Marietta Firefighter Ron Herens

MARIETTA, GA -- Funeral arrangements have been planned for a Marietta firefighter who died in a violent car crash in California earlier this week.

A celebration of life for Ron C. Herens, 23, of Powder Springs is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Chapel on 4665 Macland Road in Powder Springs. A public viewing will be one hour before the funeral service, West Cobb Funeral Home, who is handling the service, announced.

Visitation for the family will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 at the Trinity Chapel.

Following the funeral, Herens' body will be interred at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Cobb County Fire Explorers at 1595 County Services Parkway, Marietta, GA 30008; Attn: Deputy Chief William Tanks.

Herens was riding with two other Marietta firefighters -- Dillon Guest and Doug Blanchard -- in Southern California near Marina Del Rey when their vehicle was hit by a suspected drunken driver. Guest and Dillon both suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash and were hospitalized.

In the hospital, Guest walked Wednesday for the first time since the accident, according to the Marietta Daily Journal. An update on Blanchard's progress is not yet known.

Marietta Fire Department Chief Jackie Gibbs said the firefighters were young men on vacation in Southern California.

"They were all belted in. All driving perfectly down the street ... and just ... blindsided," Gibbs said Tuesday, as he held back tears talking about Herens during a news conference. “All the wind is knocked out of us now.”

Marietta Firefighter Killed In California Car Crash; DUI Suspect Held

Herens was ejected even though he was sitting in the back seat and buckled in, officials said.

The driver that T-boned their vehicle was arrested on suspicions of drunken driving. Law enforcement officials have not released his identity.

The city of Marietta updated its profile pic on Facebook to a firefighter badge in honor of Herens.

Firefighting units from around Georgia and the nation also expressed condolences for Herens' death, with many of them posting tributes on social media.

"The Long Beach Fire Department offers our sincere condolences to The Marietta Fire Department on the sudden and tragic loss of Firefighter Ron Herens. Class act by our fellow brothers in blue! Remember to never. Ever. Drink & Drive," the Long Beach Fire Department Facebook account posted.

Video uploaded to social media shows police officers giving an escort to the vehicle that rushed Herens to medical authorities.

Facebook commenter Lee E. summed up the thoughts of many, when he wrote: "Many thanks to the LAFD & LAPD for providing a code 3 escort of fallenMarietta Firefighter Ron Heren's to the coroner's office.Red, Blue or Green, we all work together, and this simple gesture of respect means so much to his family & fellow firefighters; that even in death, far 600 miles from home, Ron Heren's is not alone.God Speed Brother, may you forever rest in peace."

The Los Angeles Fire Department expressed their condolences while writing on Facebook: "While the cause remains under investigation, we must say what should not need to be said.....Never. Ever. Drink and Drive."

The El Sugundo Fire Department said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Marietta Georgia Firefighter, Ron Herens. Ron was tragically killed by a suspected DUI driver, while on vacation in Los Angeles."

The Colquitt Miller Fire Department posted this: "Please remember Firefighter Ron Herens' Family, Chief Gibbs and theMarietta Fire Department in your prayers. Also, please pray for a complete and speedy recovery for Firefighters Dillon Guest and Doug Blanchard. The days ahead are gonna be tough. #MFD #LAFD #LAPD#brotherhood."

Air Evac 77 in Troup County said on Facebook: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues ofMarietta Firefighter Ron C. Herens."

The Cobb County government said in a statement: "Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of Marietta firefighterRon C. Herens. Ron died in a car crash in Los Angeles, Cali., while on vacation with four other firefighters from Marietta Fire Department. Their car was struck by a suspected DUI driver. The other two firefighters, Dillon Guest and Doug Blanchard, were transported by ambulance to UCLA Medical Center with non-life threating injuries. Please remember them and their loved ones at this difficult time."

The Valdosta Fire Department said this: "Thoughts and prayers for our fellow brothers and sisters at the MariettaGeorgia Fire Department and the family of Firefighter Ron Herens."

“Ron was always smiling and always had a twinkle in his eye. His smile was a little mischievous,” said Gibbs, fighting back tears. “He was fun to be around, fun at the fire station. Everyone here thought the best of Ron Herens.”

Image via Marietta PD / Facebook