Dianne Feinstein: “On October 26, 2006, the Esperanza fire engulfed five firefighters dispatched to battle an uncontrollable blaze. All…”

“On October 26, 2006, the Esperanza fire engulfed five firefighters dispatched to battle an uncontrollable blaze. All five firefighters died as a result. Before it was extinguished, the fire consumed more than 40,000 acres of the southern California foothills and destroyed more than 30 homes. But while the forests will eventually return and the homes will be rebuilt, we can never reclaim the lives of our fallen firefighters. Today I am cosponsoring a resolution with Senator Boxer to honor the firefighters and other public servants who bravely responded to the Esperanza fire. On November 5, 2006, I delivered a eulogy at the Memorial Service in San Bernardino, CA, held in honor of the five firefighters who lost their lives in the fire. I believe it is appropriate at this time to enter these remarks into the Congressional Record: I'm here to express gratitude to the five brave firefighters who lost their lives in the battle against the Esperanza fire. They gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their heroism will not be forgotten and so do their families' sacrifice as well. My heart goes out to you, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters of the five firefighters who perished from Engine Crew 57: Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, Jess McLean, Jason McKay, Daniel Hoover-Najera, and Pablo Cerda. These five men were on the front lines, protecting thousands of lives and tens of thousands of acres, when they were overwhelmed by the fire's flames.”