Public Memorial for Fallen Firefighters

Los Angeles (myFOXla.com) - Vice President Joe Biden and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined thousands of firefighters from around the nation to honor the two firefighters who died in the largest wildfire in the history of Los Angeles County.

"They gave their lives, all in the service of saving lives," Biden said of Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Tedmund Hall and Los Angeles County Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones.

Hall, a 47-year-old San Bernardino resident, and Quinones, 35, of Palmdale, were killed when their vehicle went off a road and over a cliff at Mount Gleason during the first days of the Station fire, which began Aug. 26 and has scorched more than 160,500 acres and destroyed 82 residences.

The fire is about 86 percent contained after two weeks of filling the air with smoke and ash and threatening thousands of homes and major broadcast installations on Mount Wilson.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department launched a homicide investigation after authorities determined that the Station fire was the result of arson.

During a somber memorial service at the Coliseum, Biden promised "we will give the Teds and Arnies all the support they need, the equipment the need, the capacity they need, for we owe them."

Schwarzenegger noted that firefighting is a risky business.

"You knew, as we said goodbye to Ted and Arnie each day, that it might be for the last time," he said. "You knew that they might not come home. You lived every day with that uncertainty. You still supported them and the work that they loved so much -- and the work that kept us all safe."

Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said a homeless man went to the department's Palmdale station and donated "his last two dollars" to the wives of Hall and Quinones.

A tearful brother, Ozzie Quinones Jr., said, "I am so honored to have time spent with a brother that was more than a hero to me. He was the largest superstar, the largest movie star, the largest man to me.

"I just want to say thank you for all, form the bottom of our hearts. He is gone but he will never be forgotten.

County supervisor Don Knabe said the fallen firefighters will serve as examples of courage and sacrifice.

"Let us continue to demonstrate the courage and bravery Ted and Arnie showed us," he said.

More Information:

To donate to a fund to help the families of the firefighters killed in the Station Fire fight, send to:

F&A Federal Credit Union
"Memorial Fund"
P.O.Box 30831
Los Angeles 90030-9972

Previous Coverage:

Funeral Services for Firefighter Specialist Arnie Quiniones

Help for Families of Firefighters Who Died in Station Fire Fight

Station Fire: Two Firefighters Killed in the Line of Duty