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LOS ANGELES – More than 3,000 first responders and people affected by the recent tragedies in Southern California were guests of the Los Angeles Rams for their Monday night football game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Rams Training Center is located in Thousand Oaks, Calif., On the Cal Lutheran campus, less than five miles from the Borderline Bar and Grill, where 12 people were killed during a shootout on Nov. 7. The next day, the Woolsey fire started and devastated an area that did not even have time to cry. The fire burned 96,949 acres, killed three people, destroyed 1,452 buildings and forced thousands to evacuate their homes in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
When Monday's Rams game was moved from Mexico City to the Los Angeles Memorial Memorial Park because of poor playing conditions at the Estadio Azteca, the Rams provided thousands of free tickets to first responders as well to those affected by recent tragedies. The Rams said they have worked with fire detection services, law enforcement and local organizations to ensure the tickets are in safe hands.
"The Los Angeles Rams practice on site at Cal Lutheran University," said Ventura County Fire Chief Stan Ziegler. "Many members of our fire department are sneaking in there and looking over the fence and watching our team at home, it's exciting for us to be able to come here." great to make this connection with our hometown team, you would not believe what it means to us.
"Many of our firefighters have been on the road for two weeks, they have not seen their family, they have not been able to return home, just to come to the Coliseum and relax and be among their brothers and sisters who are firefighters who took part in the battle with them and who have a chance to relax and watch a football game and eat a hot dog are just fantastic ways to our morale. "
The Rams, however, did more than give thousands of game tickets to first responders and victims.
Karen and Jordan Helus, wife and son of Sgt. Ron Helus, Sheriff of Ventura County, killed during the border shootings, lit the Colosseum flame before the coup and were joined by Paige Vuksic, Jordan's girlfriend, Ventura County. Sheriff Bill Ayub, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff Chris Dunn and Sergeant Kevin Donoghue of the Sheriff of Ventura County. A commemorative banner bearing the names of the 12 victims of the border shootings was placed at the peristyle end of the Coliseum.
"It was a devastating night, but when Ron came in and gave his life, no one died," said Thousand Oaks police sergeant. Jason Robarts. "He paid the ultimate price and it's great that the Rams honor him and his family, they are part of the Thousand Oaks community and in recent days have been the most physically and emotionally difficult of my career.
"The day after the shooting, we put on another hat and put aside our emotions, we help the residents evacuate and extinguish the fires until the ministry arrives." After that, the funeral services were followed. I have never had the experience of my life. "
Dylan and Derek Adler, the sons of Sean Adler who lost their lives during the Borderline shootings, were the Rams' honorary water boys. Sean Adler was a wrestling coach at Simi Valley Royal High School and a member of Borderline's security team.
"I really did not expect anything," said 17-year-old Dylan, who is a wide ball receiver in the Simi Valley High School football team. "I was hoping to get through the memorial and live the life as best I could and that they contact me and that I am on the sidelines now is amazing.This makes me feel good about myself. other people care about me and I did not expect that. "
"It's amazing … a unique experience in a lifetime," added Derek, 12 years old. "My heart beats so fast, I'm so happy."
The Rams and Chiefs players and coaches wore hats honoring various Los Angeles area fire and law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, the LAFD, the LAPD, Los Angeles County Fires, Ventura County and County Sheriff. The logo of the agency was on the front of the cap and the logo of the team was on the side. The hats worn by the game will be auctioned after the match and proceeds will go to the Conejo Valley Victims Fund and the California Wildfire Wildfire Relief Fund. Sweaters worn by the game will also be auctioned, the proceeds going to relief efforts.
"You can see the light at the end of the tunnel," said Ziegler, whose son, Jacob, personally knew two of the victims who lost their lives during the border shootings. "We can see that as our containment percentages start to increase day by day, we know we are in control of this fire and it's only a matter of days. complete containment is November 22. "
Members of the Cal Lutheran Choir sang the national anthem, while first responders and members of the larger Los Angeles community wore an American flag the size of a pitch. Cal's former Lutheran student and former member of the choir, Justin Meek, was one of 12 victims of the mass shootings at the border. The honorary guard of the County Sheriff's Department of Ventura introduced the colors during the national anthem.
The Rams also recognized the firefighters during the match. The draw for the 50/50 draw will benefit the Conejo Valley Victims Fund, the American Red Cross, the Southwest California Relief Center and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.
Prior to the game, Rams' Eric Dickerson RB Offensive was on the field and was talking to several first responders and people affected by the fire. Dickerson, who lives in Calabasas, was evacuated from his home last week and has still not returned home because of the air quality.
"I'm still not home," Dickerson said. "My neighbor's house burned, thank God, I still have a house, but it was close, but I will not go back for a while, my son suffers from asthma and c & rsquo; It's really serious near my home, but I had to come tonight I think it's great that this game is happening in Los Angeles, we had shootings and fires the next day, and this city has gone through so much. It's great to take a break for a minute, catch your breath, look around and enjoy what you have. "
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