Thousands of people honor local firefighter killed in Arizona fire

Family, friends and many people who never met Sean Misner, gathered for his memorial at Santa Ynez High School Monday night.

The 26-year-old Hot Shot firefighter died in the ‘Yarnell Hill’ fire in Arizona last month.

“Everyone’s coming together to celebrate Sean’s life. To honor him for the hero he was,” said Geri Ventura with Montecito Fire Department.

Misner was among the 19 firefighters killed tragically on June 30. Those who knew him say it wasn’t a surprise he gave his life while saving others.

During the memorial, Misner’s mother described him as strong confident and enthusiastic.

She told the crowd she felt lucky she’d had the chance to talk to him on the phone shortly before he died. She told him she was proud of him, and that she loved him.

Misner’s great-grandfather, his grandfather, and two of his uncle’s were firefighters.

About 200 firefighters from all over the state and the country showed up to honor Misner — many he’d never even met.

“We call it a fire family. We all feel like we’re in this together,” explained Captain David Sadecki with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

To his family and friends, Misner was more than just a firefighter.
They played country music and wore sports jerseys as a tribute to some of the things he enjoyed most.

His greatest love, his wife Amanda, is 7 months pregnant with the couple’s first child.

Through their tragic loss Misner’s family stayed positive. His father had a message for the crowd.

He told everyone “Be the best you can be to honor Sean.”

A memorial fund has been set up to help Misner’s family.

You can send donations to: Montecito Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation, PO Box 5881, Montecito, CA 93150

Slideshow: Thousands of people turn out to honor Sean Misner