Cal Fire BEU to hold a procession for fallen firefighter Tuesday morning following a memorial service in Hollister

MONTEREY COUNTY, HOLLISTER Calif. (KION-TV) -- UPDATE 9/7/24: Honoring a fallen firefighter. 

A celebration of life being held this morning in Hollister for CAL Fire fire apparatus engineer Chris Ward.

Ward was forty-seven years old when he passed away August 29th after suffering a medical emergency while on duty.

He began his career with CAL Fire in June 2020, as a seasonal firefighter with the San Benito Monterey unit.

Ward was promoted to serve as fire apparatus engineer in August of 2022.

He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son. 

A memorial for fallen firefighter Chris Ward was held in Hollister at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Saturday morning.

A flag draped between two fire engines outside of the church.

Ward was a husband and father of two, valued by the community for his hard work and sacrifice. 

"We're away from our families quite a bit and, he made that sacrifice and on his days off, he still continued to make that sacrifice," Cutis Rhodes Fire Captain San Benito and Monterey said. "He put his time in volunteer here locally and he was very well versed and giving his time back to the community."

People could be seen gathering outside of the church paying their respects.

Over five-hundred first responders attended the service, including members of the San Benito County sheriff's office, local fire departments, and CAL Fire units from across the state. 

Executive CAL Fire staff from the Sacramento level also making their way to Hollister to say their final goodbyes.

"This is a two-hundred year tradition that we do with the fire department," Rhodes said. "Any of our fallen brothers or sisters we would do this for, as you know, they give a lot of time away from their family. and truly, we are family together and I'm proud to be here to honor Chris."

Fellow firefighters saluted as many family and friends of ward made their way into the church.

"Every day that he showed up at work, he showed up with a smile on his face," Rhodes said. "He was happy to be here, and he loved his job and that was one of the number one things that we're going to remember about fire apparatus engineer, Chris Ward."

Ward attended Monterey Peninsula college's fire academy at the age of 40 and started his career with CAL Fire a short time later.

Cal Fire BEU announced Monday that there will be a procession for fallen Fire Apparatus Engineer Chris Ward on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

According to Cal Fire BEU, the procession will take place on the following overpasses:

• Crazy Horse Overpass
• San Juan (Red Barn) Overpass
• San Miguel Overpass
• Sala Overpass
• Boronda Overpass
• Salinas Fire Station 2
• Hollister Funeral Home

"Join us in paying tribute to a life dedicated to service," wrote Cal Fire BEU on Instagram.