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Dr. Ruiz Statement on Loss of Firefighters and Hemet Natives Chris MacKenzie and Billy Warneke in Arizona Wildfire

July 1, 2013

PALM SPRINGS, CA – Today Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert) released the following statement regarding the loss of Chris MacKenzie and Billy Warneke, Hemet natives and firefighters who were killed battling the Arizona wildfires:

"I am devastated by the loss of Chris MacKenzie and Billy Warneke. Our entire community and country is grieving for them today. Both of these men, along with the other 17 firefighters who lost their lives battling the Arizona wildfire, were heroic public servants and upstanding members of the communities they gave their lives to serve. I will do everything I can to ensure their families have the support and resources they need from my office and the federal government. My thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends as they cope with this terrible tragedy."

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