May
18, 2020__ Mentone, CA__ Honoring the
life of U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Brent Michael Witham, Caltrans this
week installed a sign on a portion of State Route 38 in San Bernardino
County, renaming it in his memory. Pursuant
to Senate
Concurrent Resolution 32 (2019), by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho
Cucamonga), the section of State Route 38 between Mill Creek Bridge and Mountain
Home Creek Bridge near Mentone was officially designated the United States
Forest Service Firefighter Brent Michael Witham Memorial Highway.
From Witham's family: "We are so proud of
our son who chose a noble profession with the USFS that allowed him to enjoy
the great outdoors that he loved while also serving others by saving lives
and property. He truly was a friend to all. Although we are heartbroken with
our indescribable loss, Brent would want everyone to know that he is now
safely home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Knowing that, we
are at peace and look forward to seeing him again in
heaven."
A resident of Mentone, Witham began his firefighting career in
2011 as a member of the Tahquitz Hand Crew based in Riverside, California and
was assigned to Station #56 near Mountain Center in the San Jacinto Mountains
in 2013.
In 2015, Brent Witham became a member of the Vista Grande Hotshots
based in the San Bernardino National Forest, one of the elite, 113 Hotshot
crews in the U.S. tasked with the challenging job of either hiking or being
airdropped to remote areas of the wilderness to fight fires, usually with
just the equipment they can carry.
On August 2, 2017, while working on the Lolo Peak Fire in western
Montana, Witham lost his life at the age of 29. His father, Mark Witham; his
mother, Donna Giordano; his stepfather, Dave Giordano; his sister, Janelle
Giordano Bell; his grandparents, Ken and Donna Witham; and his uncle and
aunt, Douglas and Linda Witham, survive him.
Nearly three years since his passing, Brent Michael Witham is
remembered by his fellow firefighters and loved ones who honor his memory
annually.
"We are honored that the memory of Brent
will be recognized every time we enter the Forest," said Jody Noiron,
Forest Supervisor. "His sacrifice and valor will always be
remembered."
A ceremony commemorating Witham's life and the sign's
installation will be planned for a later date once restrictions are lifted on
public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Brent's life and sacrifice is a
testament to the selfless nature of firefighters, who put their lives on the
line every day to keep us safe," said Senator Morrell. "On behalf
of a grateful state, we say thank you. Our hearts remain with Brent's family,
friends, and colleagues as they continue to carry on his memory."
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