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For Immediate Release
Third Annual County-Wide Memorial Service Scheduled in Honor of Fallen Public Safety Members
Redwood City, CA - May 7, 2004 - Local public safety agencies throughout San Mateo County will be taking part in the third annual San Mateo County Public Safety Memorial Service. This special commemoration is in honor of fallen public safety professionals and will be held on Sunday, May 23rd, 2004 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 third formal tribute of its kind in San Mateo County , and is being organized again by Redwood City Firefighter Greg Da Cunha, who was eager to continue the tradition after the success of the first two such services in 2002 and 2003. Mr. Da Cunha's personal interest in spearheading the effort stems from the loss of his friend and co-worker, Firefighter Matt Smith, with whom he went through the San Mateo County Fire Academy in 1996. They were on the same shift at Redwood City Fire Department on February 5, 2001 when Firefighter Smith died in the line of duty.
The memorial tribute concept started with south-County agencies in 2002, and has now been expanded to include all public safety agencies in San Mateo County . It's a County-wide way of giving recognition to those who have passed, and honoring those who have served the public.
Local public safety agencies including police, fire, American Medical Response, California Highway Patrol, San Mateo County's California Department of Forestry, the County Sheriff's Department 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, and Don Wright will be conducting the ceremony. Ceremonial bell and bagpipes will be part of the service. All are invited to join in the commemoration and honoring of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Informal reception immediately following 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
650-594-8915
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