The Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Captain Tim Rodriguez, and Pilot Tony Sousa Memorial Highway.
The impact of ACR37 is primarily commemorative, serving to honor the memory of Assistant Chief Bischof, Captain Rodriguez, and Pilot Sousa, and to ensure that their contribution to the community, particularly in firefighting, is not forgotten. By designating this portion of highway, the resolution seeks to create a lasting tribute that will remind the public of their bravery and commitment to protecting lives and property from wildfires.
ACR37 is a resolution introduced in the California Legislature that designates a segment of State Route 10 in Riverside County as the Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Captain Tim Rodriguez, and Pilot Tony Sousa Memorial Highway. This tribute comes in memory of the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter collision while battling a wildfire on August 6, 2023. The resolution reflects a recognition of their service and sacrifice in the line of duty as firefighters, underscoring the dangers faced by those in public safety roles.
While ACR37 is likely to receive broad support due to its memorial intent, it may also raise discussion points regarding the allocation of state resources for erecting memorial signs. The resolution requests that the Department of Transportation determine the costs associated with the signage, which must be financed through donations from non-state sources. This aspect may elicit discussions about the appropriateness of utilizing public highway designations for memorial purposes and the logistics of fundraising for such endeavors.