We Will Never Forget

On Monday, Sept. 11th, the Crescenta Valley Remembrance Motorcade will take place. As it passes by buildings that house the fire departments and law enforcement and several GUSD and LCUSD schools, the vehicles will carry the names of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives.

We will also be remembering the two firefighters who lost their lives during the Station Fire.  

Captain Ted Hall, with 28 years of service, was killed in the line of duty during the Station Fire when his emergency response vehicle went over the side and fell 8oo feet into a steep canyon while protecting Camp 16 in Palmdale. He served 12 years as a firefighter specialist, which included time spent at three fire stations and Camp 2 (next to JPL) in La Cañada Flintridge. In 2007, he was promoted to fire captain. His last assignment was Camp 16.   

FFS Arnie Quinones was born in Manhattan, New York. He was deeply excited about the upcoming birth of his first child, who was born in September 2009. After 9/11, his patriotism and devotion to firefighting compelled him to place a tattoo tribute, covering his back, memorializing the Twin Towers and his fallen brothers of FDNY. Inscribed on his tattoo was the motto, “First In, Last Out.” He believed these were not simply words; they were a way of life.

A special remembrance of Rick Rescorla, a true American hero, will take place at the evening ceremony by Dr. Donald Bosch of the Headington Institute. Rick Rescorla was responsible for saving thousands of lives on 9/11.  As the director of security for the financial firm of Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center, Rescorla anticipated attacks on the towers and implemented evacuation procedures that are credited with saving 2,687 lives. Prior to the attack, he had insisted all employees, including senior executives, practice emergency evacuations every three months.  Rescorla died when the World Trade Center collapsed after he went back to search for stragglers. Morgan Stanley lost only six of its 2,700 employees. It is said he sang “God Bless America” during the evacuation to keep everyone calm. His remains were never found.

Rescorla will be remembered at a special ceremony at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11th at Bob Smith Toyota.

On Wednesday, Sept. 13, it’s the 17th Annual Foothills Community Business Expo! Free admission, free prizes and free food from ETC… Gourmet Kitchen, Dream Dinners La Crescenta, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Frank’s Famous Kitchen, Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant and (just added) Gio’s Baguettes & More. Over 60 local businesses will be on hand to answer questions and offer giveaways in the fourth floor community room at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, 1812 Verdugo Blvd. Doors open at 5 p.m.  

Written by Jean Maluccio
and Lisa Dupuy
CV Chamber of Commerce
3131 Foothill Blvd. ‘D’
La Crescenta, CA 91214

  jean maluccio, Lisa DUPUY