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3 killed in crash of firefighting helicopter near Cabazon By City News Service
T
hree men were killed in a midair collision between two Cal Fire helicopters over Cabazon while engaged in firefighting operations, eliciting condolences Monday from the governor and others. "On behalf of all Californians, our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the loved ones, friends and Cal Fire colleagues mourning the loss of Assistant Chief (Josh) Bischof, fire Capt. (Timothy) Rodriguez and pilot (Tony) Sousa," Gov. Gavin Newsom said. "This terrible tragedy is a reminder of the dangers our courageous firefighters face daily while working to keep our communities safe. We owe them our deepest respect and gratitude and will always honor their bravery and sacrifices." Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez,
whose 4th District encompasses Cabazon, said he was saddened to learn of the loss of "three members of our fire service (who) perished protecting us from fire." "It is a horrible tragedy when those who serve the community do not return home to their families," he said. "I pray for their families and the rest of the Riverside County Fire Department." National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Eleazar Nepomuceno held a news briefing in Cabazon late Monday afternoon, saying a team consisting of two NTSB investigators, a Federal Aviation Administration representative and personnel from the helicopter manufacturers, Bell and Sikorsky, were gathering preliminary information on the midair collision. "They were on a conver-
Cal Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof. | Photo courtesy of the Riverside County Fire Department
gence flight, and they impacted," Nepomuceno said of the choppers. "Our plan is to document the wreckage before it is relo-
cated to (a secure hangar) in Arizona." He said a "drone team," utilizing remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicles,
would be working Tuesday to survey the crash site. Nepomuceno emphasized that the immediate objective is to procure "perishable" evidence that will vanish once the wreckage is removed and the crash site is cleaned up. Federal investigators are encouraging anyone who might have information to contact them at witness@ ntsb.gov. Agencies throughout the region expressed sorrow over the deadly accident. Murrieta Fire & Rescue posted to social media, sending "deepest condolences" to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen crew. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you," the agency said. From the Palm Springs Fire Department: "Our
heartfelt condolences for the line-of-duty deaths of two Cal Fire firefighters and a contract pilot. This tragedy has left us deeply shaken and mourning the loss of our brave colleagues." The Riverside County Sheriff's Department posted a Facebook message, saying, "On behalf of the entire sheriff's office, we extend our deepest sympathy to the families (of the fallen)." The Orange County Fire Authority posted a message offering condolences. "Our hearts are with our Cal Fire family and all the loved ones, friends and colleagues impacted by this tragic loss," the agency said. The crash happened about 6:55 p.m. Sunday near Pipeline Road and Apache Trail, according to
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Biden expresses sorrow over loss of local firefighters
Man guilty of 2019 fatal Cathedral City shooting gets 40 years to life
By City News Service
By Kristy Ramirez, City News Service
resident Joe Biden offered condolences Tuesday to those impacted by the deaths of two firefighters and a pilot killed in a midair collision between two Cal Fire helicopters over Cabazon. "Every day, firefighters run toward danger, while everyone else runs the other way, because being a firefighter is not what they do — it's who they are," according to statement by Biden released by the White House. "This tragedy is yet another example of their incredible bravery. As wildfires have intensified in recent years, more and more firefighters have put themselves in harm's way to defend our families and communities from out-ofcontrol fires. ... "We owe it to our firefighters and their families to do everything we can to prevent these dangerous fires in the first place. Three families of three brave Americans have an empty seat around the dinner table tonight, and our hearts go out to them." Cal Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, 46, of Menifee, Cal Fire Capt. Timothy Rodri-
San Bernardino man was sentenced Monday to 40 years to life in state prison for fatally shooting a man outside a Cathedral City home in 2019. Christian Isaiah Jimenez, 24, was convicted June 13 of one felony count of murder in the Aug. 19, 2019, shooting of 21-year-old Alberto Rafael Sosa Alvarez. A sentence-enhancing allegation of discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury was also found true. He was sentenced Monday morning to 40 years to life in state prison, according to court records. Jimenez went to a small party in Cathedral City Aug. 18, 2019, with around six people unknown to the young woman who was hosting the gathering, Deputy District Attorney Jenna Barsamian told jurors during opening statements. At some point, he excused himself to go to the bathroom, and when the host saw the light on in her parents' room she went to check on him. She saw the defendant with one of his friends inside and believed they were stealing property.
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