Fallen firefighter is brought home with north state convoy
RED BLUFF » A convoy traveled through the north state Thursday to Red Bluff to honor recently killed wildland firefighter Darin Banks.
A Firestorm Wildland Fire Suppression firefighter, Banks, 26, lost his life on May 6 while assigned to a Type II Initial Attack Hand Crew. Banks was preparing an area in Calaveras Big Trees State Park for a prescribed fire when a tree branch unexpectedly fell and hit him. He would die shortly after.
The company honored Banks with a convoy made up of his fellow crew members and workers. Various other fire service and law enforcement agencies offered their support during the journey.
The convoy left Modesto around 11:30 a.m. It traveled on State Route 99 to Sacramento, then continued north to Yuba City and passed through Chico. By the time it reached Red Bluff around 4:40 p.m., there were more than 30 vehicles taking part in the convoy transporting Banks to Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers on Walnut Street.
Among the convoy was the Red Bluff Fire Department. It is a tradition in the fire department and law enforcement communities that when there is a fallen officer or firefighter,
the body is escorted to its final resting spot.
Division Chief Michael Bachmeyer said he could
not say these are enjoyable events, but the fire department nevertheless is proud and privileged to help out with these moments.
Red Bluff resident LeaAnne Moxley heard about the convoy Thursday morning and decided to come down to pay her respects. Moxley said she felt inclined to give the firefighters her support for all the things they do for the community.
Banks leaves behind his 4-year-old son, mother, siblings, grandparents and great-grandparents.
A gofundme account has been set up to support of Banks’ family at http://tiny. cc/darinbanks.