Procession, Memorial Service For Fire Asst. Chief Josh Bischof Planned

ONTARIO, CA — A farewell procession is scheduled for Cal Fire Asst. Chief Josh Bischof who died in the midair collision involving two Cal Fire helicopters on Aug. 6 in Banning.

Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, 46, Fire Captain Tim Rodiguez, 44, and contract Cal Fire pilot Tony Sousa, 55, were killed when two Cal Fire helicopters collided in midair while working on the Broadway Fire on Aug. 6.

Bischof's memorial service, the second of three, will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Toyota Arena, 4000 Ontario Center in Ontario. The celebrations of life Bischof will be live-streamed at youtube.com/riversidecountyfire/live.

Sousa's will remain private, according to fire officials.

Earlier this week, a remembrance service was held for Cal Fire Capt. Tim Rodriguez at the Ontario
Convention Center.

The third victim, contract pilot Tony Sousa, will be recognized during a memorial service in Tehama County. Bischof's procession will leave from Perris and head north to Toyota Arena in Ontario.

His colleagues and friends will lead the procession as it travels along northbound Interstate 215, then onto the westbound Pomona (60) Freeway, and finally Interstate 15, ending at North Milliken Avenue.

The collision involved a Sikorsky S-64E helicopter and a Bell 407 helicopter, causing the deaths of all three members inside the Bell helicopter. The crash happened at about 6:55 p.m. on Aug. 6 near Pipeline Road and Apache Trail, according to the National Transportation Safety Board and Riverside County sheriff's officials.

"While engaged in the firefight, two helicopters collided. The first helicopter was able to land safely nearby. Unfortunately, the second helicopter crashed and, tragically, all three members perished," Cal Fire Southern Region Chief David Fulcher said in a media briefing after the deaths.

"Our hearts are broken at the loss of our colleagues, mentors, and friends. Josh and Tim were exceptional firefighters and people. We grieve with their families and loved ones, and our prayers are with them," Cal Fire Riverside Chief Bill Weiser said in a statement.

The NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration and personnel from the helicopter manufacturers, Bell and Sikorsky, are all investigating the accident.

Federal investigators are encouraging anyone who might have information to contact them at witness@ntsb.gov.