Riverside: A final farewell to a local firefighter

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Riverside: A final farewell to a local firefighter

Riverside firefighter gets a final farewell

Riverside bid a final farewell to a local firefighter Wednesday morning in a sun-drenched, traditional ceremony that brought out colleagues from throughout Southern California.

Eric Botkin died Dec. 27 at the age of 41 at his home in Temecula in southwest Riverside County from brain cancer.

He worked for the Riverside Fire Department for more than 10 years before taking a medical retirement on Oct. 30, 2008.

On Wednesday morning Mr. Botkin took his last ride in Engine 13 from Station 13 in the Sycamore Canyon area of Riverside — his last posting before retirement.

The engine, accompanied by a color and honor guard and the Pipes and Drums of California Professional Firefighters, carried Mr. Botkin’s ashes, his wife Hallie and his 10-year-old son Hunter down Lime Street to St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church.

Written on the side of Engine 13 in black marker was a message from Hunter Botkin to his father: “You have taught me well. I love you Dad! Hunt.”

“Eric was the type of person who looked at the brighter side of any situation,” Riverside Fire Capt. Bill DeLaHoya said, as he stood outside the church.

DeLaHoya worked with Mr. Botkin at Station 13.

“He knew he was in grave situation but he planned to fight it and he did,” DeLaHoya said, his eyes filling with tears.

As the funeral procession made its way down Lime, from Station One at the corner of Mission Inn Avenue to the church at 12th Street, employees from office buildings and businesses along the route came out to watch the proceedings.

Many snapped photos but others stood solemnly at attention with their hands over their hearts.

Beginning at 10th Street, fire trucks from throughout Southern California, including Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Cypress, Long Beach, Corona, Norco and CAL Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, lined the route.

At 12th Street, the procession was greeted by what is called the “sea of blue,” firefighters from throughout the region saluting.

With all Riverside firefighters and engines in attendance, local fire coverage was provided by crews from the cities of Colton, Corona, Hemet, Murrieta, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Redlands, the county of San Bernardino, the San Manuel and Pechanga Fire Departments and CAL Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Story and media by pe.com

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Thursday, January 7, 2010