Lakeside Firefighters Honor Fallen Brother

 Bonita, CA -

Lakeside Engine 1 was in attendance at a memorial service to honor the life and service of Captain Bill Stutzman of the Donovan Correctional Facility Fire Department who died suddenly this month. Many local firefighters were there including the Chula Vista and San Diego Fire Rescue Department honor guards. Captain Stutzman was also honored as a USAF veteran by a moving flag presentation. Lakeside Firefighters are proud to honor our fallen brother. Interment will be at Miramar National Cemetery.

l-r Engineer Vasquez, Captain Barnes, FF-PM Paterson

Photo and post by: Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Honor Fallen Nurse

Alpine CA-

On December 23, 2011, Debra Meltzer fell victim in a tragic domestic violence incident that unfolded in a quiet Alpine subdivision. What was not widely publicized is that Debra was an emergency room nurse, at Sharp Memorial Hospital,  who had dedicated her life to helping others. In this role, Debra interacted with Lakeside paramedics on a regular basis. The loss of this dedicated professional was felt throughout the east county as personnel from many local agencies knew Debra.

Lakeside Engine 26s at the memorial service.

Recently at her memorial, the crew of E26s (Blossom Valley) was asked to fly a flag provided by The World Memorial Organization, at her memorial services. Lakeside Fire Engineer John Eastlick and Lakeside Engineer Scott Smith secured the flag to the aerial boom on the apparatus so that it could fly over this very solemn event.

A memorial fund has been established for Debra’s children. Donations can be sent to:

Cabrillo Credit Union
C/O Debra Meltzer Memorial Account
PO Box 261169
San Diego, CA 92196-1169

Story and Photo Provided By: Fire Captain Rick Dalldorf, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Units Join Memorial Service Procession for EMT Bahena

Lakeside Engine 26s and Medic 3 were among the hundreds of emergency service units and personnel taking part in today's memorial procession and service to honor fallen San Diego Medical Services EMT Esteban Bahena. Agencies from throughout San Diego County including ambulance, fire, law enforcement and all forms of emergency medical services took part to honor our EMS family member who was killed in the line of duty on April 1st.

 Emergency Units gather at Qualcomm stadium

The Procession began at Qualcomm stadium with BLS 22, the ambulance that Bahena worked on, in the lead with his father in the front seat. The route traveled over the same freeways that Esteban covered in his year and a half as an EMT with San Diego Medical Services. All emergency vehicles displayed full "Code 3" warning lights throughout the route which took them past the stretch of State Highway 163 where the tragic accident occurred. While passing that fateful spot near Washington street, sirens were sounded along with three blasts of the air horns in honor of Esteban.




The procession continued on to Point Loma and concluded at The Rock Church where the memorial service was held. The service was well attended by our extended EMS family and at the request of Esteban's family, it was a celebration of his life with many fond memories shared by his close friends and family. Ambulance unit BLS 22 was officially and forever retired from service at the end of the service. Ironically, Esteban's ambulance was used to transport him on its last trip to the hospital.

Memorial Service at "The Rock Church"

The San Diego Medical Services family has been overwhelmed by the community’s outreach and response to the loss of EMT Esteban Bahena.
They have set up a memorial fund in his honor if anyone wants to make a donation. Checks can be mailed or dropped off at:
San Diego Fire Fighters Credit Union
4926 La Cuenta Dr. San Diego, CA 92124
Acct #: 1214D.

Submitted: Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire District