David Ruhl - a Firefighter fatality in California

Firefighter David Ruhl, age 38, of Rapid City, South Dakota, died in the line of duty on July 30, 2015, in the Modoc National Forest in northeastern California. 

David Ruhl

The Modoc National Forest is comprised of 1,654,392 acres. The nearest city is Alturas, California.

As of this date, 88,000 acres are on fire in California including many acres of forest in the Modoc region. 

Firefighter Ruhl was an engine captain with the U.S. Forest Service.  His assignment was with the Mystic Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest. He had 14 years of service. 

David had previously served with the U.S. Coast Guard. 

He had been temporarily reassigned from his home state to California to help with the numerous forest fires ongoing there. He had been working as an Assistant Fire Management Officer since mid-June for the Big Valley Ranger District of Modoc National Forest. 

There is no information available as of this date as to what caused David's death. He went missing on July 30th and tragically his body was found by a search party on July 31st.  

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for David
and for those who have lost him.

The cause of David's death is under investigation. 

The United States Forest Service is in mourning over the death of their brother. David was a well-respected professional who did his best. He will be forever remembered.

David's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He was a loving husband and father. He will be forever mourned.

David is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his wife, Erin, and his two young children, Ava and Tyler. 

Thank you for your service, David. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that David is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.