Jim Hunter, retired CDF Fire Captain passed away this morning at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. Joni said he died peacefully with family members by his side. Jim retired in the late 1980’s. His CDFcareer started in the San Jacinto Ranger District, Riverside Unit, in 1957 as a Forest Fire Truck Driver. He left CDF for three years to become a CHP Officer in the Banning District, but watching the engines responding to fires soon drove him back to CDF. Most of his time was in the RRU, but he did spend some time as a Captain Prevention Officer in the San Bernardino Unit and a special assignment as a legislation assistant for the Director’s Office at Sacramento HQ’s. Besides fighting fires, I know that some of the highlights of Jim’s career was dispatching, public relations, and working with his CDF Family. Although he has been retired for some 25 years or so, he constantly followed the activities of CDF and worried for their safety and welfare, especially the last few fire seasons. CDF lost a good man this morning.
Cards can be sent to Joni Piano and Family at 1814 Combat Drive, Lake Havasu City, Az., 86403.
I will keep you posted as I hear additional information.
Sincerely, George Alex