The 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots that died on the Yarnell Hill Fire June 30 were escorted back to Prescott today, closer to their home base. They were moved from the medical examiner’s office in Phoenix to the medical examiner’s office in Prescott, a distance of approximately 100 miles. A helicopter was circling overhead. The first part of the ground escort was about 20 officers on motorcycles.
These first three photos were taken on Highway 89 five miles north of Yarnell, Arizona.
A few vehicles after the bikes was a Granite Mountain Hotshots’ crew carrier.
And then the 19 hearses, each with a sign in the window identifying the Hotshot inside.
A memorial service for the Granite Mountain 19 will be held in Prescott Tuesday. We will remain in the area reporting on this historic event.
The first three photos were taken by Bill Gabbert.
I really felt sad about their passing but this is really a great way to honor them. I wish I could’ve been part of the team that honored them because I really look up to them as brave heroes who unselfishly gave up their lives to save thousands.
I got to thinking this morning about the huge crowds in Prescott and the influx of firefighters from all over. The Prescott newspaper ran a piece thanking (with amazement) the dozens of fire departments and police departments from all over the state who sent reinforcements to their town. Brotherhood for sure.
Then I got to thinking about someone who should be thanked and probably won’t be. Can you even begin to imagine the horror and awfulness of conducting those 19 autopsies? It makes my knees feel rubbery. I’m sending them a card of thanks.
Maricopa County Medical Examiner
Forensic Science Center
701 West Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Ph: 602-506-3322
ditto Mangan’s comments. Thanks, Bill.
Bill – many thanks for making the sacrifices needed to be at Prescott for the next few days; it’s good to know that we can get the facts straight from an experienced firefighter rather than from the media. We appreciate your effort!