Firefighters’ group releases statement on 19 killed by Yarnell Hill Fire
Jul 1, 2013, 11:51 AM | Updated: Jul 2, 2013, 7:23 pm
PHOENIX — The Professional Firefighters of Arizona released the following statement Monday after 19 firefighters were killed over the weekend while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire near Prescott, Ariz.
The statement has not been altered in any way.
The fire fighting community in the State of Arizona is a close, united family.
The 19 fire fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice last night in the line of duty in Yarnell are more than colleagues to us. They’re brothers to each of the 6,500 men and women who belong to the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona.
Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, their loved ones and with the Prescott Fire Department and the community.
The young fire fighters from the Granite Mountain Hotshots and their fellow wildland fire fighters serve every day with the utmost courage and with the strongest possible commitment to their community and to the fire service.
These 19 gave their lives as heroes. They will never, ever be forgotten.
Our hearts also are with area residents who lost their homes and their possessions.
Last night, the PFFA established a Prescott Command with our President, Tim Hill, and Ray Maione, our member services director, on the ground to coordinate delivering services to the Yarnell area. These services include grief counseling for families of the fallen, financial support and benefits, memorial services and additional manpower for the Prescott Fire Department. These efforts are ongoing.
We want to thank the public from across Arizona and the nation for their outpouring of support and for their offers of help.
Anyone who wants to contribute financially to help the families of the fallen can do so by making a donation today to the 100 Club or the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
For volunteer, fundraising and other ways to assist those affected by the Yarnell Hill Fire, go to yarnellfallenfirefighters.com.
