Memorial services announced for firefighters, pilot who died in Cal Fire helicopter crash

City News Service
Updated ·2 min read
Cal Fire Capt. Tim Rodriguez, left, and Assistant Chief Josh Bischof were among three people killed when two helicopters crashed in midair Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, while responding to a fire in Cabazon. A photo of the third person, contract pilot Tony Sousa, was not available.
Cal Fire Capt. Tim Rodriguez, left, and Assistant Chief Josh Bischof were among three people killed when two helicopters crashed in midair Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, while responding to a fire in Cabazon. A photo of the third person, contract pilot Tony Sousa, was not available.

Memorial services were announced Sunday for the pilot and two firefighters who died in a helicopter collision while battling a brush fire in Cabazon earlier this month.

Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, 46, and Capt. Tim Rodiguez, 44, both of Cal Fire; and contract pilot Tony Sousa, 55, were killed when two Cal Fire helicopters collided in midair while working on the Broadway Fire on Aug. 6.

The details of the ceremonies, according to Cal Fire:

  • Rodriguez's memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Ontario Convention Center at 2000 E. Convention Center Way

  • Bischof's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 24 at the Toyota Arena, 4000 Ontario Center in Ontario

  • Sousa's memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at a private lakeside ceremony in Gerber in Tehama County, California

"The Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department mourns the tragic loss of three esteemed firefighters, who valiantly served our communities," the department said in a statement Sunday.

Sousa lived in Red Bluff, California, and worked as a pilot for Air Shasta in Redding.

The collision involved a Sikorsky S-64E helicopter and a Bell 407 helicopter, causing the deaths of all three people inside the Bell helicopter.

The crash happened at about 6:55 p.m. on Aug. 6 near Pipeline Road and Apache Trail, according to the National Transportation Safety Board and Riverside County sheriff's officials.

"While engaged in the firefight, two helicopters collided. The first helicopter was able to land safely nearby. Unfortunately, the second helicopter crashed and, tragically, all three members perished," Cal Fire Southern RegionChief David Fulcher said in a media briefing after the deaths.

"Our hearts are broken at the loss of our colleagues, mentors, and friends. Josh and Tim were exceptional firefighters and people. We grieve with their families and loved ones, and our prayers are with them," Cal FireRiverside Chief Bill Weiser said in a statement.

The NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration and personnel from the helicopter manufacturers, Bell and Sikorsky, are all investigating the accident.

Federal investigators are encouraging anyone who might have information to contact them at witness@ntsb.gov.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: When services will be held for 3 who died in Cal Fire helicopter crash