Scores Attend Funeral For Marietta Firefighter In South Cobb

SOUTH COBB, GA -- A Marietta firefighter who was killed in a car crash in California last week was laid to rest Wednesday in a Cobb County memorial service. Scores of friends, family, community members, firefighters and first responders filled the pews at Trinity Chapel in Powder Springs to celebrate the life of 23-year-old Ron Herens.

Herens' casket was draped in the American flag as a video collage of Herens' life played on a big screen. His family and girlfriend Rosa addressed the crowd, telling uplifting stories about Herens and how he touched all of their lives.

"I want to tell you about 'that guy,' Ron, as he called himself on Instagram," his mother said. "Growing up he had to overcome some hurdles of a teenager," she said. She recalled one time as a teenager they caught him smoking a cigar in his room. "His dad made him finish it," she said to light laughter from the crowd. "We all remember him for making us laugh and breaking out into funny dance moves. His brother says he's the creator of 'The Dad' (dance)."

She said that Herens' mantra was: "You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." She said that seeing the large crowd come out in support was "extremely comforting" and thanked the crowd.

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.

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

This past weekend, Herens' body was brought back to Georgia. A procession, complete with police escort, left Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Saturday morning. Friends, family and scores of firefighters lined the roadway as a hearse slowly pulled away, heading to West Cobb Funeral Home in Marietta.

“I think that tells you everything you need to know about this community. These folks support their public safety officials here, and we know they care about what happens to these folks, and they appreciate what we have the opportunity to do,” Fire Chief Jackie Gibbs told reporters on the scene, according to the Marietta Daily Journal. “On the firefighter side of the house, we love what we do, our folks enjoy serving this community, and it’s a two-way street, and those folks standing out there demonstrate that it’s a two-way street.”

Fire departments from around the nation expressed condolences for the Marietta Fire Department.

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."

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.

Images via Marietta PD / Facebook