Local firefighter dies in crash
Desmond Palmer, 34, of Hemet, died in the 45000 block of Sage Road in Aguanga at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, March 27, 25 minutes after being injured in a traffic collision on Sage Road, 365 feet north of Tyler Street.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PALMER FAMILY
A family member on Facebook said he was riding a motorcycle.
San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) Public Information Officer Zachary Behrens confirmed that Palmer was an SBNF employee.
“He worked as a firefighter on Engine 54 of the San Jacinto Ranger District,” said Behrens. Engine 54 is known as Cranston Station and is at the bottom of the Hill in Valle Vista.
Behrens said Cal Fire/Riverside County units responded to the scene, identified Palmer as an SBNF firefighter and notified SBNF.
“A forest battalion chief and division chief were able to participate in a procession with Cal Fire to the coroner’s office,” said Behrens.
Palmer joined SBNF in 2019 as a temporary firefighter at Cranston Station, “finding a new passion in his life and becoming a key member of the module,” said Behrens. “In 2020, he was selected for a permanent senior firefighter position on the engine.”
“Desmond was an incredibly positive person who always encouraged and uplifted his co-workers,” said Captain 54 Daniel Diaz. “He had an infectious laugh that could cut through any situation and improve morale around him. The loss of Desmond will be felt heavily across the District.”
Burial and service, and final expenses. https://www.gofundme.com and search for Desmond Palmer.
