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SUPERVISOR BILL HORN TO HELP BUILD MEMORIAL FOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTER

June 13, 2000

 

San Diego County Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn today passed a proposal before the Board of Supervisors to help fund a memorial for a young man who died while fighting a fire on the La Jolla Indian Reservation. Gregory Pacheco, a Pueblo Indian from New Mexico came to San Diego County to help extinguish the out of control blaze that ultimately burned 8,000 acres in 10 days back in 1999.

"Gregory Pacheco gave his life fighting this fire," stated Supervisor Horn. "I am saddened by the fact that this young man paid the ultimate price and I am proud to help build a memorial to him on the La Jolla Indian Reservation, where he and other valiant firefighters performed an excellent service for our County."

Pacheco was only 20 years old and engaged to be married, when working the night shift; a huge boulder became dislodged and crashed down upon him. He was carried out of the fire area by fellow crew members and was airlifted to Palomar Hospital, where he later died on October 5, 1999.

Joining Supervisor Horn today was Karl Bauer, Chief of the Palomar Volunteer Fire Department and Wesley Ruise of the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians Reservation Fire Department. "We want to thank Supervisor Horn for his help in securing the funds for the Pacheco Memorial," said Chief Bauer.

Now that the funds have been secured, the Granite boulder memorial piece will become a reality. "Hopefully, everything will be finished so that the dedication and Mass can take place near the end of July," concluded Wesley Ruise. Pacheco's family, local officials and firefighters from the around the County are planning to attend the memorial service.

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