[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING OUR FALLEN CAL FIRE MEMBERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ruiz) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and memorialize our 
fallen heroes from CAL FIRE who gave their lives to serve our 
communities. Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, 
and pilot Tony Sousa, all sacrificed their life to protect their 
community while battling a fire in Cabazon.
  Assistant Chief Josh Bischof was a devoted and loyal firefighter, 
husband, and father who never stopped serving others even in his last 
moments. He started his career in the fire service as a volunteer 
firefighter in Mountain Center at Volunteer Fire Station 78 and worked 
his way up through hard work, loyalty, and commitment.
  In recent months, before his tragic death, Josh had been promoted to 
assistant chief with CAL FIRE Southern Region headquarters where he 
oversaw the training program before transferring to the tactical air 
operations.
  Josh loved his wife of 24 years beyond measure and lived to make his 
children's dreams come true no matter the cost.
  Josh was always up for an adventure and was known for his willingness 
to help others and was loved and respected by his friends, family, and 
community.
  Now, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez loved being a firefighter more than 
anyone could imagine. He was raised in Hemet and graduated from West 
Valley High School in 1997. He started his fire service career as a 
firefighter I, serving at Fire Station 41 in Mecca, and was soon 
promoted to firefighter II at Fire Station 79 in Coachella.
  Captain Rodriguez married his wife, Dorothy, in 2001 and had three 
children: Josh, Haley, and Alexis. He will be remembered for the 
immense love he had for his family and his passion for staying active 
by hiking, camping, snowboarding, kayaking, and mountain biking.
  Lastly, pilot Tony Sousa of Red Bluff, California, was fulfilling his 
lifelong dream of being a pilot before the tragic accident.
  Before fulfilling his dream, Tony was a dairy worker, a sales 
representative for Outlaw Kart, a custom harvester, an avid water-
skier, and finally a pilot.
  In 2022, Tony played a pivotal role in implementing the CAL FIRE 
Helicopter Coordinator training program. Through this program, Tony 
guided and mentored a huge cohort of fellow aviators to help them 
obtain certifications for their aviation careers.
  Pilot Sousa is survived by his wife, Rachelle; sons, Connor and 
Carson; father, Ed; and mother, Sharon.
  These men were husbands, sons, fathers, who now leave behind loving 
and caring families. Their bravery, courage, and devotion to duty will 
always be remembered.
  Madam Speaker, I ask everyone present on the House floor to join me 
in a moment of silence for the CAL FIRE members--Assistant Chief Josh 
Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and pilot Tony Sousa.

                          ____________________