Procession for fallen firefighters travels through Carson City
Honor guard processions were held Wednesday for two U.S. Bureau of Land Management firefighters who died Sunday in a rollover crash. A procession was held for Will Hawkins, 22 of Reno and Jacob M. O’Malley, 27, of Zephyr Cove which began in Reno and went to Walton's Chapel of the Valley in Carson City.
The firefighters were returning to Winnemucca after looking for lightning-sparked wildfires in Northern Nevada. The vehicle crash happened near the junction of State Highway 140 and U.S. 95. A procession was held Monday for the fallen firefighters, escorted from Winnemucca to Reno.
A third person in the accident, Zachery McElroy of Reno was taken to Renown Regional Medical Center by helicopter with non-life-threatening injuries. The Nevada Highway Patrol said tire failure may have caused the deadly crash.
On Wednesday the The United States Honor Flag came to Winnemucca to fly half-staff at the Winnemucca District Office in honor of O'Malley and Hawkins. Firefighters, employees from the District, friends and family and members of the community came out to observe the procession and raising of the flag.
Statement from Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Director John Ruhs:
"Our hearts and prayers are with the families and friends of Jake and Will, and with Zach as he begins his recovery.
I am extremely proud of our Desert Zone fire staff and the Boise engine crews for their initial response to this incident and the Nevada State Office fire staff for their rapid and well-organized reply. Additionally, we are eternally grateful for the overwhelming show of support for our fire fighters and their families. Yesterday's procession of fire engines, emergency services and law enforcement vehicles was the most impressive and compassionate event I have ever witnessed.I cannot say thank you enough to our federal, state and county fire organizations; emergency and medical response teams; and law enforcement partners. The support from our BLM fire organization and the assistance offered by other BLM states and centers has been significant and heartwarming.
At this time, I am directing that all flags at Nevada BLM locations be lowered to half-staff through the weekend."
The procession was organized by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and Carson City Fire Department honor guards. Multiple agencies were represented at the procession, including the Reno Fire Department, Reno Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Truckee Meadows Fire Department and the Washoe County Medical Examiner and Coroner’s Office.
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