SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA – Today Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) released the following statement regarding tomorrow’s memorial for two Los Angeles County Firefighters, Fire Captain Tedmund "Ted" Hall, 47, of San Bernardino County, and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones, 35, of Palmdale:
“My deepest condolences go to the families of the two brave firefighters we lost in the August Station Fire. The tragic loss of Fire Captain Tedmund ‘Ted’ Hall, 47, of San Bernardino County, and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo ‘Arnie’ Quinones, 35, of Palmdale, has hit our communities hard. These brave men paid the ultimate price to protect lives and property of individuals they had never met and serves as a constant reminder of what sacrifice means. Each man and woman who dons a fireman’s uniform does so knowing that there is always the possibility that they may not make it home to see their families. But in the face of this adversity, they still serve.
Firefighter Specialist Quinones was a constituent of mine. He lived in Palmdale, California with his wife Loressa. They are expecting their first child in the next few weeks. My heart aches for their family loss. I know his spirit will live on and endure forever among his loved ones.
Fire Captain Ted Hall was a resident of Hesperia, California. He graduated from the Fire Academy in 1983 and served ever since. He was survived by his wife Katherine, and sons Randall, 21, and Steven, 20. My deepest condolences go out to his family as well.
I was on the ground the past couple of weeks and witnessed, first hand, the bravery of the firefighters and rescue personnel during this fire. Firefighters, such as these two brave men, greatly limited the loss of property because of their valiant efforts to beat back the flames.
For the immense loss of two of our bravest heroes, we honor and thank them. Their lives were valiant, courageous, and praiseworthy. And to the families, please know how very sorry I am for your tremendous loss. God bless you.”
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