All,

The monthly SAFER meeting scheduled on November 16, 2018 and hosted by Newport Beach Fire Department has been cancelled. Several unimaginable events have resulted in tragic and irreplaceable losses to the Costa Mesa Fire and the Ventura County Sheriffs Departments. The emotional and physical strains continue to challenge California's first responders with ongoing northern and local wildfires of unprecedented and catastrophic results. Many of the SAFER community personally knew Costa Mesa Fire Captain Mike Kreza, Sergeant Ron Helus, and their families.

The impact to the fire service is not fully know at this time, but it has been reported that many who have been fighting local and northern California wildfires have also lost their homes and many will be away from their family and friends for lengthy periods of time. The insult to the senses continues as many are also well connected to the victims and families of the Borderline shooting through service, family, relationships and shear empathy. 

SAFER has always been a platform to improve firefighter health and safety. To that end, I have pondered and eventually decided the best for our community is to cancel the meeting and direct our support and our attendance to the Celebration of Life for Captain Mike Kreza, the details are as follows:

Date:  Friday, November 16, 2018
Time:  10:30 AM
Location:  Saddleback Chuch
Lake Forest Campus
1 Saddleback Pkwy
Lake Forest, CA 92630

As a former long time resident of Thousand Oaks and a career firefighter I continue to think of the communities impacted by these horrific events and senseless losses; it is deeply personal. 

The Memorial Services for Sergeant Ron Helus
Date: November 15, 2018.
Time: 12:00 PM
Location:  Calvary Community Church
5495 Via Rocas
Westlake Village, CA 91362

In closing, to those working on the front line please be safe, and look out for each other; for those impacted by the either of the events our thoughts and prayers are with you; for those who provide supplies and equipment, we accomplish nothing without your continued support and dedication; for those that are away answering the call, call home frequently and let those who are loved hear it. Sergeant Helus did and it was the last words spoken to his wife. 

Thank you for your understanding, together we will accomplish greatness,
Respectfully,

-- 
Scott P. Quinn
Battalion Chief
Battalion 4 - A Platoon