Memorial services for U.S. Forest Service firefighter set for Saturday

Release Date: Aug 14, 2015

Contact(s): Public Affairs, Cheva Gabor (530) 543-2608, or Lisa Herron (530) 543-2815

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – Memorial services for U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter Michael "Mikey" Hallenbeck are planned for Saturday, August 15, 2015, at 1 pm at Green Valley Mortuary in Rescue, Calif.  Seating inside the mortuary chapel is limited, with priority given to family and friends, as well as Hallenbeck’s firefighting crew. The service will be broadcast through speakers outside the chapel. The memorial service will be followed by a brief graveside ceremony, and the family welcomes anyone who wishes to help them lay their son to rest at that point.

"The untimely passing of this fine young man who was so excited to become a Forest Service firefighter has profoundly saddened all of us," said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. "We’re proud to stand by his family and friends in a final goodbye to honor his service and sacrifice."

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and one of Hallenbeck's fellow wildland firefighters will speak at the memorial. Hallenbeck, a member of the LTBMU's Organized Crew 36, succumbed to injuries sustained when a tree fell on him during efforts to suppress the Sierra Fire on Saturday, August 8, 2015.

The Hallenbeck family has set up a fund to receive donations on their son’s behalf for funeral services and to contribute to organizations that have helped Michael (Bi Polar Insights, Green Valley Church, and Wildland Fire Fighters Foundation). Donations may be made in care of Michael – Mikey-Hallenbeck Memorial Fund Account #2099471902 by either going into a Wells Fargo Bank branch or mailing it to:  Wells Fargo Bank, Attn:  R. Bechtel, 1512 Eureka Rd, Suite 300, Roseville, CA  95661

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