(July 3, 2018, 2:35 p.m.) -- Attended by thousands but intensely personal in content, Long Beach Firefighters conducted an emotion-packed two and a half hour Memorial Ceremony for LBFD Captain David Rosa.
LBREPORT.com linked to LIVE video coverage of the event, with photo gallery below and on-demand VIDEO expected in the coming hours.
Members of the public joined firefighters from departments locally and statewide, streaming into the Convention Center,
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Bagpipes and drums enter,
Bagpipers filled the hall with the sounds of "Amazing Grace."
Capt. Rosa's family was present, seated in the first row: wife Lynley, sons Alec (26) and Sam (16). Multiple family friends and neighbors from San Juan Capistrano shared remembrances of Capt. Rosa. They said, and echoed multiple times, that Capt. Rosa was a devoted husband and father who prioritized "making memories" -- treating as important his personal interactions with family, neighbors and co-workers.
An essay by Eric Brewster, titled America At Half Staff was read aloud (LBREPORT.com coverage here.) Son Alec came to the podium and described the shock of learning that his father had been fatally shot. Firefighters aren't supposed to get shot he said, adding that he cried for ten hours until physically unable to cry further. He said it has taken time to grasp the reality that his father is gone and won't return. In a clear, strong voice, he expressed his gratitude to LB Firefighters, and to the City, for their outpouring of support for the family.
LBFD Chief Mike DuRee spoke warmly of Capt. Rosa. He said they'd worked together briefly at Station 9 and said he great respect for Capt. Rosa both professionally and personally. Chief DuRee emphasized -- as did multiple LBFD Firefighters who spoke -- that the Rosa family would always have their support.
LB Firefighters walked to the front row where the Rosa family was seated and presented the family with a folded U.S. flag, an LBFD Memorial Badge and other honoring items.
The LB Firefighters Ass'n presented the family with a family Bible. LBFFA President Rex Pritchard (fighting back tears) said that when one becomes a firefighter, they acquire a second family...and Captain Rosa's family would always be part of LBFD's family. The Memorial Ceremony ended with the traditional sounding of three bells sounded three times each, signifying that a firefighter has completed his task for the last time...and returned home.
Captain Rosa was shot/mortally wounded on
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