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Date: July 24, 2009 FATAL FIREFIGHTING ACCIDENT CLAIMS (CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE ON ARUGUS 7/25/09)
According to forest spokesman Stephen Riley, around 10:10am Tuesday morning, Thomas Marovich incurred fatal injuries after falling more than 200 feet from a helicopter during routine rappel proficiency skill training at the Backbone Helibase in Willow Creek. Thomas Marovich was a second year apprentice with the U.S Forest Service at the Modoc National Forest. Marovich was attached to the Chester Helitack Crew from the Lassen National Forest, currently assigned to the Backbone Fire at the time of the accident. Thomas Marovich, a 2007 graduate of the Mission Valley ROP Fire Science program, was a top performer in his chosen career path. He was a shining example of how success results from dedication, hard work, and a good heart. Marovich put his heart and soul into pursuing a career in Fire Science. Following his graduation, Thomas frequently visited MVROP to assist his former instructors with training exercises and served as a great asset when working to ensure the success of MVROP Fire Science students. Tom’s passion and contagious enthusiasm resonated with the students he worked with in addition to anyone who crossed his path. “Mission Valley ROP is greatly saddened by this devastating news and sends its condolences to Tom’s loved ones. Tom’s giving nature and natural ability to connect with students will be greatly missed on the Mission Valley ROP campus,” stated Superintendent Charles Brown. Services for Thomas Marovich will be held at 10:15am on Thursday, July 30th, at St. Clements Catholic Church in Hayward. Mission Valley ROP will fly its flags at half-staff on Thursday, to honor the loss of Thomas Marovich, a valued member of the MVROP family. About Mission Valley ROP Mission Valley ROP (MVROP) is the regional occupational program for the tri-city area. Established in 1969, MVROP has been instrumental in preparing students for successful business, medical, and technical careers. Through a partnership with Fremont, New Haven, and Newark Unified School Districts, career technical education is provided to over 5,000 students (high school and adult) each year. Our new 45,000 sq. ft. Mission Valley ROP Career Technical Training Center is located in the heart of Fremont. For the latest news and information about MVROP, visit us on the web at www.mvrop.org. |
### Allison Aldinger |
FREMONT, CA- Twenty-year-old U.S. Forest Service Firefighter, Thomas Marovich, died during a routine training exercise in Modoc National Forest Tuesday morning.