Fallen Firefighter's Procession Draws Hundreds Along Highway 50
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (CBS13) — Hundreds lined up along Highway 50 on Thursday to honor a fallen firefighter.
Just as strangers showed up on Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil, many who never knew Mike Hallenbeck lined up to honor him on Thursday.
It was a final journey filled with love, appreciation and heartache for a young man whose life was cut short doing his job.
Hallenbeck was killed on Saturday after being hit by a falling tree as the U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter battled the Sierra Fire in Lake Tahoe.
Those who saluted their friend on a somber day say Hallenbeck felt as if he was defending his home whenever he stood toe-to-toe with flames in the Sierra.
On Thursday, they stood together with family, friends and strangers to make sure he received a hero's farewell.
"Today is really about honoring Michael and his sacrifice and his commitment to firefighting to protecting the nation's forests," said Brian Garrett with the U.S. Forest Service.
The procession along Highway 50 from South Lake Tahoe to the Green Valley Mortuary in Rescue stopped traffic and gave more than a few people pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who choose to fight to protect precious land and lives.
Private funeral services are planned for this Saturday.