On Thursday, September 22, the Forest Superintendent of the Salmon-Chalice National Forest released a statement about the September 20 death of Gerardo Rincon while on assignment to the Moose Fire in Idaho:
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Gerardo Rincon of North Reforestation Inc. Gerardo experienced a medical emergency during the early morning hours of September 20. He was the head of a Type 2 crew assigned to Moose Fire.
Girardeau has served as a prairie firefighter since 1994. During his 28 years of career he has been a Type 2 firefighter, engine captain and crew chief. He has been greatly appreciated by employers and crew members who have enjoyed working with him during his many firefighting assignments.
Tragedies of this kind serve as reminders of the honorable work and sacrifices made by women and men like Gerardo. They commit daily to supporting and protecting communities across the country.
Our condolences go out to the entire Rincon family, and their co-workers at North Reforestation Inc. , the firefighting community, their friends, and everyone who knew and loved them. We are so grateful for years of dedication and service to the wildfire community.
The Forest is working closely with the Incident Management Team and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation to get Gerardo home in Oregon early in the morning of Saturday, September 24. There will be a procession from the Jones and Casey Funeral Home though downtown Salmon and into Lemhi County Airport starting at 9:00 AM.
The viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28 at Farnstrom’s Mortuary in Independence, Oregon from 5-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on September 29 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church followed by a burial at Hilltop Cemetery.
/s/ Charles A. Mark
forest supervisor
(end of statement)
North Reforestation wrote on their Facebook page that Mr. Rincon’s remains will arrive on Flight 802 at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Corvallis Domestic Airport, 5695 SW Airport Ave, Corvallis, OR. They wrote, “If anyone wants to be a part of the procession this Saturday when Gerardo arrives in Oregon, he’ll start at the airport and finish at Farnströms.”
North Reforestation is located in Monmouth, Oregon, west of Independence.
The moose fire, which began on July 17, saw rain on Wednesday and Thursday. It has burned more than 130,000 acres northwest of Challis, Idaho.
Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Rincon.
Thanks and a tip of the hat to Tom and Pete.
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