Procession for fallen firefighters from Zephyr Cove and Reno

Honor guard processions were held Wednesday for two U.S. Bureau of Land Management firefighters who died Sunday in a rollover crash. A procession was held for Will Hawkins, 22 of Reno and Jacob M. O’Malley, 27, of Zephyr Cove which began in Reno and went to Walton's Chapel of the Valley in Carson City.

The firefighters were returning to Winnemucca after looking for lightning-sparked wildfires in Northern Nevada. The vehicle crash happened near the junction of State Highway 140 and U.S. 95. A procession was held Monday for the fallen firefighters, escorted from Winnemucca to Reno.

A third person in the accident, Zachery McElroy of Reno was taken to Renown Regional Medical Center by helicopter with non-life-threatening injuries. The Nevada Highway Patrol said tire failure may have caused the deadly crash.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the families and friends of Jake and Will, and with Zach as he begins his recovery.

I am extremely proud of our Desert Zone fire staff and the Boise engine crews for their initial response to this incident and the Nevada State Office fire staff for their rapid and well-organized reply. Additionally, we are eternally grateful for the overwhelming show of support for our fire fighters and their families.
Yesterday's procession of fire engines, emergency services and law enforcement vehicles was the most impressive and compassionate event I have ever witnessed.
I cannot say thank you enough to our federal, state and county fire organizations; emergency and medical response teams; and law enforcement partners. The support from our BLM fire organization and the assistance offered by other BLM states and centers has been significant and heartwarming.

At this time, I am directing that all flags at Nevada BLM locations be lowered to half-staff through the weekend." - Statement from Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Director John Ruhs

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