Archived News Release from 2005

For Immediate Release

Fourth Annual County-Wide Memorial Service Scheduled in Honor of Fallen Public Safety Members

Redwood City, CA - September 6, 2005 - Local public safety agencies throughout San Mateo County will be taking part in the fourth annual San Mateo County Public Safety Memorial Service, and invite the community to join in this special commemoration. The service in honor of fallen public safety professionals will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 10:00 am in the Cunningham Memorial Chapel at Notre Dame de Namur University, 1500 Ralston Avenue in Belmont. The service will be non-denominational.

This is the fourth formal tribute of its kind in San Mateo County, and is annually organized by Redwood City Fire Department Captain Greg Da Cunha, whose personal interest in the effort stems from the loss of his friend and co-worker, Firefighter Matt Smith, who died in the line of duty in 2001. This memorial tribute is a County-wide way of giving recognition to those who have passed, and honoring those who have selflessly served the public.

Local public safety agencies including police, fire, California Highway Patrol, San Mateo County’s California Department of Forestry, American Medical Response, the County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies from San Mateo County will all have representatives present to read the names of their fallen members and retirees who have passed away. San Mateo County Chaplains Jacqueline Clark, Dick Morton, Dominick Peloso, and Don Wright will be conducting the ceremony. Ceremonial music will be offered by the Stewart Tartan Pipes and Drums of San Francisco. All are invited to join in the commemoration and honoring of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. An informal reception will immediately follow the service.

The Redwood City Fire Department has five fire stations housing five engines and one truck, and currently has over 70 staff members including firefighters, firefighter / paramedics, captains and battalion chiefs, fire prevention staff, training staff, and administrative staff.

Visit Redwood City’s website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business.

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Contact:
Greg Da Cunha
Redwood City Fire Department
650-594-2604