[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 128 (Tuesday, November 14, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S10911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO FALLEN U.S. FOREST SERVICE FIREFIGHTERS FROM CALIFORNIA

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I have a very heavy heart as I pay 
tribute to five fallen U.S. Forest Service firefighters from 
California. It is an honor to talk about their heroic deeds, but it is 
heartbreaking.
  These five heroes died in the line of duty while protecting families 
and homes in the Esperanza Fire west of Palm Springs. We deeply mourn 
the loss of Engine Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, Fire Engine Operator Jess 
McLean, Assistant Fire Engine Operator Jason McKay, Firefighter Daniel 
Hoover-Najera, and Firefighter Pablo Cerda.
  Mark Loutzenhiser was 44 years old and had 21 years of firefighting 
service. He was a certified emergency management technician, EMT. He 
had previously worked as a hotshot crewman for the Vista Grande Hot 
Shots and also as a volunteer firefighter for Riverside County. He 
majored in fire science at Mount San Jacinto College. He was a longtime 
resident of Idyllwild, CA, and was a wonderful supporter and coach for 
the youth sports program. He is survived by his wife Maria 
Loutzenhiser.
  Jess McLean was 27 years old and had 7 years of firefighting service. 
He had been a hotshot for 3 years with the Vista Grande Hot Shots. He 
graduated from Banning High School in 1997 and attended fire science 
classes at Crafton Hills College. He was a resident of Beaumont, CA. He 
is survived by his wife Karen McLean and his mother Cecelia McLean.
  Jason McKay was 27 years old and had 5 years of Forest Service 
experience and 4 years as a volunteer firefighter in Adelanto. He also 
served on the Mojave Greens Type II crew. He was a certified EMT and 
earned an associate's degree in fire science. He was a resident of 
Phelan, CA. He is survived by his mother Bonnie J. McKay and his father 
Robert McKay.
  Daniel Hoover-Najera was 20 years old and in his second season of 
firefighting. He worked on the Tahquitz Type II crew in 2005 and was a 
seasonal employee in 2006. He graduated from San Jacinto Mountain View 
High School in 2004. He was a resident of San Jacinto, CA. He is 
survived by his mother Gloria Ayala and his father Timothy Hoover.
  Pablo Cerda was 23 years old and in his second season with the Forest 
Service. He was previously of the Tahquitz Type II crew. He graduated 
from Los Amigos High School in Santa Ana in 2001 and attended Fire 
Academy of Riverside Community College. He was a resident of Fountain 
Valley, CA. He is survived by his father Pablo Cerda, Sr.
  These five U.S. Forest Service firefighters on Engine Crew 57 on the 
San Jacinto Ranger District were dispatched early on the morning of 
Thursday, October 26 to fight the Esperanza fire. As the fire blazed 
out of control, they bravely fought it when they were overrun by 
flames.
  Mark, Jess, Jason, Daniel, and Pablo are true examples of why we call 
firefighters heroes. They bravely and selflessly risked their lives 
time and time again trying to protect California. No more could be 
asked of anyone. Tragically, they have fallen in one of these battles. 
We know why their friends, family, and colleagues are so proud of them 
and so devastated by their loss. Their loss reverberates throughout 
California and our Nation.
  I send my sincere condolences to their families, their communities, 
and all of the firefighters who had the honor of serving with Mark, 
Jess, Jason, Daniel, and Pablo over the years.
  These firefighters are extraordinary heroes. And we will not rest 
until we have found those responsible for this horrific crime.

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