A veteran wildland firefighter was killed earlier this week while battling the Moose Fire in Idaho.
Gerardo Rincon, of North Reforestation Inc. suffered a medical emergency on Sept. 20, according to a statement from Charles Mark, Forest Supervisor of the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Gerardo, of Oregon, served as a wildland firefighter since 1994. During his 28-year career he was a Type 2 firefighter, engine captain, and crew boss. He was highly recognized for his performance by his employers and crew members enjoyed working for him during many fire assignments.
“Tragedies of this nature serve as a reminder of the honorable work and sacrifices made by women and men like Gerardo. They commit themselves daily to supporting and protecting communities around the country,” Mark’s statement read.
He extended his condolences “to the entire Rincon family, their co-workers at North Reforestation Inc., and the firefighting community, their friends, and all those who knew and loved them. We are beyond grateful for their years of dedication and service to the wildfire community…”
Rincon is the third person killed at the Moose Fire. On July 21, Pilots Thomas Hayes and Jared Bird died after their helicopter crashed into the Salmon River.
Mark said his agency is working closely with the Wildland Firefighter Foundation to return Gerardo to Oregon.
On Saturday, Sept. 24, there will be a procession from Jones and Casey Funeral Home though downtown Salmon and to the Lemhi County Airport beginning at 9 a.m.
Visitation is set for Wednesday, Sept. 28 at Farnstrom’s Mortuary in Independent, OR. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday.
