Fallen Firefighter Honored With Equipment Dedication

BANKS, OR — Banks firefighters honored fallen Hillsboro Fire Department engineer and paramedic Ryan Grimaldi Monday night by dedicating a water tender in his name.

Water Tender 13, now adorned with "Ryno" and "Dedicated to Ryan Grimaldi" written on both sides, was reportedly Grimaldi's favorite vehicle when he began his firefighting career as a volunteer with Banks Fire District 13 in 2005.

On Nov. 3, 2017, Grimaldi was killed in an accident during a hunting trip in Eastern Oregon. He was 31.

A fixture in the Washington County emergency responder community and unflinching philanthropist — annually running the Hillsboro Firefighters Random Acts Toy & Joy fundraiser, which collects toys and donations to give to families in-need around Christmastime — Grimaldi's passing affected thousands of people, and not only in the public safety sector but also all the individuals who over the years benefitted from Grimaldi's big heart.

Grimaldi's brother, Tony, and his mother, Cheryl Craft, cut the ribbon at the ceremony in Banks March 5.

Additionally, Craft presented to the Banks Fire Department a plaque that also honors Grimaldi's time with the station before taking a post-dedication ride outside the station in Water Tender 13.

Images via Banks Fire District 13