Firefighters show support for injured Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern
CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Firefighters from across the state marched in Saturday's Clovis Rodeo Parade to show support for injured Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern and his family.
They gathered before the event for a breakfast at the fire station on Pollasky Avenue. Dern's wife, Kelly, was also there to greet everyone. Officials estimate at least 100 firefighters from several different departments took part in the parade in Dern's honor.
The 49-year-old remains in critical condition with burns over 65 percent of his body after falling through the roof of a burning home on March 29.
"Pete Dern is one of my officers, I'm his chief, and just to know that there's folks besides me thinking about him encourages me to know that he is so important not just to me but to so many people," said Battalion Chief Tony Escobedo of the Fresno Fire Department.
"I've been a fireman for a long time, and this is just what firemen do. If you tell us we need to show up and help one of our own, you don't have to tell us twice; guys are going to be there," said retired Captain Kevin Tuohy of the Orange County Fire Department.
Firefighters from Southern California also came up with another way to support Dern's family. They created a challenge coin in his honor, which can be purchased for $25 through firefamilyfoundation.org.
