Firefighters return from Hotshots memorial

About 40 Ventura County firefighters attended the memorial service for the 19 Hotshots killed in the Yarnell Fire.

Most returned in the middle of night, but a hand-crew transport vehicle known as a buggy broke down and needed a mechanic to help the crew get home.

While in Prescott, they lined the street during the procession. Then, they attended the jam-packed memorial inside an arena.

During the service, they watched the lone survivor recite the Hotshot prayer. They also watched Vice President Joe Biden pay tribute to the young men.

Stan Ziegler, an engineer from Fire Station 51 in El Rio, said he enjoyed meeting the families who lost loved ones. Ziegler said they went to support those families.

To give Arizona firefighters time to grieve, Capt. Barry Parker served as a public information officer.

Parker said it makes you realize how important it is to enjoy your family and your children, since you never know what tomorrow holds.

Ziegler showed off a tribute paper and program he intended to keep.

The firefighters talked about the memorial service until the conversation was interrupted by a call for service.