Yesterday morning, Denver Fire Dept lost one of it's own.
Lt. Rich Montoya was taken off of life support, due to a heart attack that he apparently suffered while battling a house fire, a week ago last Monday.
Lt. Montoya was a 30 year veteran and was scheduled to retire in July. He was only 15 shifts shy of this retirement.
My Dept. works closely with the DFD and we too, feel their loss.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4716977,00.html
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3850823
Rest easy LT, we've got the watch.
Rest in Peace.
My condolences to you and your community, Sdiver.
Firebeef
05-22-2006, 10:49
Rest in Peace, brother.
I may be part of the funeral as a member of a consolidated Honor Guard. Will be hard to keep from crying.
RIP.
My condolences to the DFD.
Rest in Peace LT. Montoya. My condolences to you all.
En Paz Descanse - Rest im Frieden
Ambush Master
05-22-2006, 21:45
Sounds like you guys lost a Team Sergeant!!!
Rest in Peace, it's evident that, the rest of your Watches are covered!!
Thoughts and Prayers out !!!
Lt. Montoya lived a full life.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4719710,00.html
He served 2 tours in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee
Services for Lt Montoya are this Thursday.
Firebeef....Looks like I will be able to represent my dept too.
Well...
Services for Lt. Montoya were today. It truly was a moving sight. There were dept. representations from all over the state of Colorado, as well as a few from New Mexico, Kansas, and Wyoming.
Lt. Montoya was brought in on a vintage Denver Fire engine. Engine number 4, which today was changed to Engine number 9. Lt. Montoya's Engine company.
The church was packed with Lt. Montoya's family and friends, as well as members of the DFD. The rest of us, some 600-700 of us, held watch outside. One of the local news stations set up a large "jumbo tron" for us to watch the proceedings. Temps were in the mid to upper 80's, and the Salvation Army was there, handing out waters to us outside. Making sure we stayed hydrated. They really went above and beyond, making sure we were all okay.
After the services, Lt. Montoya's casket was loaded back onto Engine number 9, for the long drive to Ft. Logan, National cemetery. We followed in suit, some 175 apparatus, ambulances, rescue vehicles, and command cars.
The route took us from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, on Colfax and Logan in D-town Denver, through the D-town area, up past Lt. Montoya's station, (Station 9), up on to I-70, to Federal, then down Federal to Ft Logan's.
The sites that we saw along the way were awesome. As we started out, traveling through D-town, all the office personal lined the streets. We headed up towards, Station 9, and all the shops and business personal were paying their respects.
Turning down Federal Blvd, off the highway was incredible. The first sight we saw, was a young boy, about 7 or 8, holding an American flag, that was twice his size. But holding it he was, like a rock. He stood there as EVERY piece of equipment passed by, never changing his expression. This was a sight that would be repeated as we traveled.
People lining the street, holding American flags, some at half staff, some waving proudly. Veterans holding salutes, some standing with their families, others just standing on a solitary spot. But we saw them. We saw a postal employee, delivering the mail, standing by the side of the road at attention, holding his pith hat in one hand over his heart, and a handful of mail in the other.
School kids were all out in front of their schools, waving American flags, others waving, some just awe struck. DFD had Engines, Towers, and Ladder trucks all along the route. Paying their respects to one of their brothers and saying thanks to the rest of us.
The most touching sight we saw, was a young boy, about 3 or 4. He was standing by the side of the road, dressed in a little Bunker Jacket, and matching Firefighters helmet. He stood there holding his salute as we passed, almost reminiscent of John-John as JFK passed by. Right next to him was a sign. A sign that was on some sort of easel for all of us to see. It was written in big magic marker, in undoubtedly his hand, that read....."God Bless Lt Montoya. God Bless all Firemen. God Bless America. Thank You."
Once at Ft. Logan's, Lt Montoya's casket was off loaded of Engine 9. Since Lt. Montoya was an ex Navy Sea-Bee, serving 2 tours in Vietnam, the honor guard was a mix of DFD and Navy. Instead of a 21 gun salute, Lt Montoya's family chose a 21 Dove salute. 21 doves were released to symbolize the path that Lt Montoya's spirit would travel. A special Dove was held in reserve for his family. They were given the Dove and whispered a pray/message/thought into the Dove's ear to take to Lt. Montoya. His Widow then released it, after delivering her message.
Then Lt. Montoya was taken to his resting spot, along with his family, for one last walk together.
Here's a few links with some pics...
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3864360
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...726359,00.html
Fire Fighter's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me strength to save a life
Whatever be its age.
Let me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
To give the best in me,
To guard my friend and neighbor
And protect their property.
And, if, according to your will,
While on duty
I must answer death's call;
Bless with your protecting hand
My family, one and all.