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Dustin Deford Obituary
Dustin DeFord, 24, tried out for the Hotshot crew in January 2012, telling friends on Twitter that he had passed the physical fitness test and asking for prayers as he moved on to the interview stage of the process.
He moved to Arizona from Montana after he was hired, and he worked to improve his skills on the climbing wall at a gym near the firehouse.
"He listened very well. He was very respectful," said Tony Burris, a trainer at Captain Crossfit. "He kind of had a dry sense of humor."
Another trainer, Janine Pereira, echoed that sentiment.
"You would say something to him, and he would respond with a crack, which was funny because he was so shy," she said.
Soon after he interviewed for the Hotshots, DeFord signed up for the Spartan Race, a rugged, eight-mile challenge through the mud and around various obstacles in Chandler, Ariz., a suburb of Phoenix.
"I am being amazing," he wrote on Twitter, in reference to the race.
Several months later, in June 2012, he tweeted: "First Fire of the season."
Associated Press reporters Raquel Maria Dillon in Seal Beach, Calif., Sue Manning in Los Angeles; and Felicia Fonseca and Hannah Dreier in Prescott contributed to this story.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
98 Entries
July 24, 2014
Please accept my sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends may the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such a tragic loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. 2 Cor. 1:2,3.
Kathleen
November 30, 2013
Dear loved ones of Dustin,
It has been nearly six months since this horrific tragedy. My prayer is for you to continue to endure in spite of the emotional pain that greets you each day. May you be comforted in knowing that our heavenly father knows how you feel and listens intently if you call on him and come and pray to him, he listens and will calm your heart. – Jeremiah 29:12
August 10, 2013
The world is full of men, but what of men noble and true?
Can you say that you have known such a man?
These men are far too few.
But let me tell you a a story,
About a team of men
Who left behind a legacy
That will not be forgotten.
Highly trained,
They passed every test,
Chosen to fight wild fires,
They were called the best.
One scorching June day in 2013,
When a wildfire raged
The Hotshots were called upon
To battle the fiery blaze.
Armed with tools and heavy gear,
They set out in their prime,
No job too hard for these men,
No hill too tall to climb.
Command was set, plans were made
To tackle the fire's wrath
But winds shifted unexpectedly
And they were trapped in the fire's path.
19 men were caught that day,
The fire drew quickly near
Though they knew they were truly trapped,
Not a one showed fear.
Dig your shelters, men came the command,
Each one knew what this meant
They dug with haste and with one final look
They took to their tents.
Then let us look away,
For we cannot bear
What came to each one next,
Each man endured in those fiery moments,
His final Hotshot test.
And when the aid finally found the men,
The blackened landscape bore
The testimony of death everywhere,
And the men who were no more.
Oh children, your father was so brave,
A man who did his best
In work excelled, he fought to save,
withstanding every test.
Dear widow, may you never shed
another tear at some unhappy strife
For you've suffered enough dread
The day your husband lost his life.
Young sweetheart, your hopes and dreams
Lay in ashes, from the fire's wrath
May you find hope and dream once more
Though sorrow has changed your path.
Sad mother, your beautiful son,
your joy and your pride
Whom you succored with patient love,
has bravely lived and bravely died.
Two prayers I pray for you, the first,
Though all hope now seem dim
May you have a hope in God,
And place your trust in Him.
Second, May something good,
Something beautiful and strong
Emerge from this tragic loss
From something that went so wrong.
Then like a Phoenix from the ashes
May these men and their noble deeds
Live, for love is stronger than death,
In the lives of those who who stop here to read.
-Michelle Kendall and Family, Barnet, Vermont
How you can show support
August 10, 2013
We can never be prepared for such tragedies, but can always rely on the strength from God to cope. Isa 41:10
A mountain reflection the stars.
August 9, 2013
The voyage.
August 9, 2013
Sandee Garza Schock
August 7, 2013
To the Family & Friends
of Mr. Deford
Please accept my deepest
sympathy in the loss of
Your HERO. May He Rest In
Peace. May God comfort You
during this difficult time.
Sincerely
July 23, 2013
TOMMY SANCHEZ
Family Hernandez
July 16, 2013
Pensar en la vida: Santiago 4:14 dice “ . . . que ustedes no saben lo que será su vida mañana. Porque son una neblina que aparece por un poco de tiempo y luego desaparece.” Ojala que encuentre la fortaleza para sobre pasar esto momento difíciles y tenga fe en el futuro. Tambíen Dios nos promete lo que dice en Revelación 21:4 “ Y limpiará toda lágrima de sus ojos y la muerte no será más, ni existirá ya más lamento ni clamor ni dolor. Las cosas anteriores han pasado”.
July 15, 2013
My thoughts are with Dustin's family in Ekalaka
We are so sorry for the loss of Dustin.
July 13, 2013
May he rest in peace and may his family and friends be comforted. They will be our forever heroes. Linda from Seattle and Prescott.
Isabel Verdugo
July 13, 2013
He was so young and had his whole life ahead of him, but it was cut short. Our heavenly father will keep Dustin in his memory at the resurrection and will bring him back very soon.
Adriana Veliz
July 12, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Nikki Aloisio
July 11, 2013
Lifting you up in prayer. May God comfort this family and give them peace. "The hotshots
will forever be loved and remembered"
Rebecca
July 11, 2013
So sorry for your loss! They were all true heroa!! May God be with this family and help them find comfort and peace!
July 10, 2013
You have my infinite respect and thanks, Dustin. May the Lord bless your family and friends with His great peace and comforting hand.
Janean Farley, Phoenix
Pennie & Tammy White
July 10, 2013
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
July 10, 2013
Thank you friend
walterrean salley
July 10, 2013
Condolences to the Deford family. May God strengthen and keep you always.
My prayers are for the safety of all our firefighters and their families.
PRAYER FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Bless the firefighters—one and ALL;
Go before them on each call.
Protect them as they serve our kind,
Saving lives with theirs on line.
By Your mercy and Your grace,
Keep their families truly safe.
Oh, may they never suffer harm
At the sound of the alarm.
Grant them wisdom, knowledge too—
All, dear Lord, which comes from You.
Daily be their shield and guide;
Never—ever—leave their side.
Strengthen now the hands that serve
With the blessings they deserve.
© 2001 by Walterrean Salley
Choya & Penny Worsham
July 9, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family for peace and comfort. Although we didn't know Dustin we had the pleasure of getting to know Ryan as he was in our Sunday School class for awhile. It's very sad and hard to lose a loved one but knowing Dustin is walking with Jesus is such a comfort.
brian brown
July 9, 2013
RIP Dustin
Maggie Villarreal
July 9, 2013
Didn't know Dustin but i am sure he did his job well and he was and is a "HERO". God bless his family and may God comfort you in this time of sorrow. God Bless all
Kevin and Tasha Heaton
July 8, 2013
Our deepest condolences to you the family and loved ones of this extraordinary young man. He has touched the hearts & minds of the world with his exemplary character,integrity, passion and dedication. He will not be forgotten. His life made a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. May the God of ALL Comfort - comfort you as only He can. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. With great respect,
Barbara Kolb
July 8, 2013
So sorry to lose this incredible young man. There is deep sadness in the hearts of Arizonans. We mourn with you.
July 8, 2013
Find healing in the cheerished memories that will live on of these devoted Angeles. These "19 HEROES OF THE FOREST" will never be forgotten. Keep the Faith. Many Blessings and Hugs.
Mary Sue Thompson
July 8, 2013
May God hold him in His loving arms always! May the memory of Dustin's devotion give you strength!
Eileen Andric
July 8, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. A true American hero.
Rick and Bonnie Mailloux
July 8, 2013
Hi Steve and Celeste, We've been thinking of you so much in these weeks. We pray that as you grieve and worship that you will be comforted by the Holy Spirit and given courage for the days ahead.
Love, Rick and Bonnie Mailloux
Grace Fox
July 7, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you and reveal Himself to you in amazing ways as a result of this tragedy. Truly our hope is in the Lord in times such as these.
Jo Allen
July 6, 2013
your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.
Tim, Dondra and Amy Brush
July 5, 2013
Dearest Deford Family,
Our hearts are deeply saddened for your lost of an amazing Man, whom we only meet a few times through his brother Ryan. However, in that short time we could not help but notice what a gentle spirit Dustin was. We are lifting your whole family in pray during this difficult time, and the year to follow may our Lord give you peace and healing.
Larry Cole
July 5, 2013
Sorry to here of your loss. From friends of your families in Iowa we express our deepest condolences. We trust that the Christian life he lived and the uncertainty of life will cause many that knew Dustin to examine their eternal destiny.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
The David Smith family
July 5, 2013
Our deepest condolences. We continue to pray for your family.
Marjean Kinsey
July 5, 2013
May the Lord's light guide you through this difficult time and may it provide you some comfort to know that Dustin was and will always be a hero.
Debbie Luevano
July 5, 2013
Our deepest condolences. God welcomed all the Hotshots home with open arms. RIP
Miki
July 4, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family during this time of grief.
The Pratt Family
July 4, 2013
With heavy hearts and our deepest sympathy, the Miami, Florida, community is thinking of you during your time of sorrow. As your hearts abound with cherished memories that you shared with Dustin, may God comfort you and grant you inner peace strengthening you to await the hour in which all those in the memorial tomb will hear Jesus' voice and come out. Today, we are privileged to express our thankfulness for the bravery that Dustin and his fellow firefighters rendered so that others could be saved.
The Earland Family
July 4, 2013
May God bless the Deford Family at this difficult time and bring you comfort as you recall the many happy memories that you shared with Dustin. I look forward to a better life for all of us at a better time! (Matthew 6:10)
July 4, 2013
So very sorry for your loss of this BRAVE YOUNG MAN
July 3, 2013
our prayers are with you
July 3, 2013
My condolences and our prayers from Vancouver, BC, for your loss of Dustin. Be proud of him. God must need him for other tasks now.
MR aka JettieG
Marian Marsceill
July 3, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way. God bless.
Rosalee (Jones) Lindner, PBI '78
July 3, 2013
As I watch the solemn procession from Yarnell to Prescott of the different Prescott and Granite Mtn Hot Shots' "crummies," I see this is a time of remembrance for firefighters all over. We continue to pray for you as we remember Dustin and his brothers.
Jared Berg
July 3, 2013
Dustin was quite a guy! His family is quite a family! You will be missed... until we meet again.
Always in our hearts!
July 3, 2013
Danny & Joyce Snide
July 3, 2013
Comfort the Bereaved
When earthbound days are done, and loved ones go beyond, Sometimes our Lord's promis for eternal life is hidden in grief and loneliness and strife, but, a sympathetic nod, a note that says, "I care", a gesture or a hand to hold will lift clouds of despair. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15. We are weeping with your family as you try to cope with this tragedy. Love Joyce, Peoria Az
July 3, 2013
Sending my sincere condolences to you. May you find comfort in all your happy memories. There is another angel in heaven
Mimi
July 3, 2013
Words are just not enough. May you experience God's strength. Dustin was an unselfish man, putting his life on the front lines for his community. My many condolences to the family of Dustin.
July 3, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that God is in control of all things. What a true hero your loved one is. Our hearts grieve with you. We are praying for you and you loved ones who knew Dustin. Love Joyce, Peoria,AZ
Jenny Bruner
July 3, 2013
May God bless the family during this time . My deepest condolences.
Chelsea Russell
July 3, 2013
My sincerest condolences to the DeFord family, I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Brother;
Chelsea Russell, Toronto Fire Services
Carolyn Hettich
July 3, 2013
My heartfelt condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss; so very grateful for your sacrifice.
Isaac Bula Urrutia
July 3, 2013
I´M Very Sorry for your lost. God bless you and your family.
Regards from Venezuela.
They are a Heroes...
July 3, 2013
Stinnett Fire Department wishes to extend sympathy to the family oh Dustin Deford. Our prayers are with you.
July 3, 2013
My condolences to the family for your loss. May you find comfort in the words found at Isaiah 14:7
Charlene Rathgeb
July 3, 2013
Sending you much love, and hope that you are granted strength in the coming days. Our sorrow is truly numbing, and our hearts are with you. Charlene and Mike Rathgeb, both with Toronto Fire Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Denis Hartley
July 3, 2013
My condolences GO OUT TO dustin FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT THIS difficult time dustin is a true hero god bless
July 3, 2013
Sincerest condolences on your loss of such a brave young man and his fellow HOTSHOTS.....God Bless
July 3, 2013
The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many at this sad time.
Rich Reay of WHFD
July 3, 2013
God Bless the Deford family during this difficult time. Dustin is truly a hero for what he believed and for what he did.
linda shaffer
July 3, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
S. Marshall
July 3, 2013
"You will call and I myself will answer you.
For the work of your hands you will have a yearning." These words were written in the Holy Scriptures by Job and his feeling was that if he died, God would miss his and long to bring him back. Dustin is also the "work of His hands" and He yearns for his return.May God's rich blessings be with your family.
Robyn
July 2, 2013
What a beautiful smile Dustin had. I send you all my love and heartfelt condolences. May peace be with you all
EDGAR & NELL BROWN
July 2, 2013
OUR LOVED ONES LEAVE INDELIBLE MARKS ON OUR SOULS WHERE THEIR NAMES ARE NEVER FORGOTTON-THEY ARE SHINING STARS IN OUR LIFE STORIES, LEGENDS IN OUR GRIEVING HEARTS.
Craig Caldwell
July 2, 2013
To all the family of Dustin...Our hearts are aching for you and trust the power of our Lord God will comfort you
Amy Small
July 2, 2013
I'm a native Montanan now living in Arizona and not only did this tragedy break my heart but then to hear your son was one of the fallen made it worse. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. The Missoulian had a nice article about your family. I hope you all find the strength from each other. What an amazing son, brother, friend. God bless.
July 2, 2013
god bless you iam pray four your famile joanna vincent chandler az
Alexandria Napier
July 2, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Dustin was a hero, and will never be forgotten.
Judi McClanahan
July 2, 2013
We are so sorry! We heard this morning about your loss and Heaven's gain! Our church is praying for your family as well as the families of the other firefighters. May God be a very present help in this time of trouble.
Larry and Judi McClanahan(Forks, WA and PBI 1982)
Lorraine L
July 2, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carol Durkin
July 2, 2013
God Bless your family.
All of Arizona grieves with you.
With Deep Sympathy --
Gigi Cirrincione
July 2, 2013
Praying for you that God will comfort you and give you peace during this time of tragic loss. I didn't know these men personally, but I know they had huge hearts, and were extremely courageous to do what they did.
Monica Martin
July 2, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am so sorry to hear about this. My husband and I are private wildland firefighting contractors my husband worked with the hot shot crew in South Dakota last year.
rita barraza
July 2, 2013
My deepest condolences to your family's
Steve and Keely Callaway
July 2, 2013
Deepest condolences to your family & friends for the loss of your dear one; a true hero. God be with you in comfort and love as you grieve the loss of this great man. Be assured he gave his life in great honor. There is no way to thank him for his sacrifice; so in the memory of his dear passed soul I thank you, his loving family and friends. You are now his legacy. My heart is broken with you. So, so sorry for you loss.
Jody K
July 2, 2013
I am so sorry for the great loss that your family has sustained with the passing of Dustin. Please know that your family and his friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Prescott will never forget!
Tracey
July 2, 2013
R.I.P.
July 2, 2013
God's Blessings
Kathy & Brian Kent
Blenheim Ontario Canada
Vurnie Barnett
July 2, 2013
As a former volunteer firefighter I know all too well the risks that they take on a daily basis but it is something they never back down from. Dustin was doing what he loved, was trained for and called by God to do. Rest in peace.
July 2, 2013
I don't even know this young hero, but I am so thankful for his courage Best wishes to his family and friends. Pat Martin Danville, Va.
Norm & Nancy Sandoz
July 2, 2013
Please accept our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Hal & Lynn Capshaw
July 2, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Dustin was clearly in the center of God's will and is now a treasure in heaven.
The O'Coys
July 2, 2013
Dustin you will not be forgotten. Your fellow firefighters will always remember you and your crew. We will always remember you with a heavy heart and sadness. You left this world through the FLAMES OF HELL, But You Entered through the GATES OF GLORY! You are at peace now. A HEROE to all!
David & Kathryn Luithle
July 2, 2013
May you find strength in God in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
July 2, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of these fine young men that paid the ultimate price. My prayers are with you!
Anita H
July 2, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Deford family. May many precious memories bring you comfort. May the God who gives peace be with all of you. RO. 5:33
Kevin & Dana Rae
July 2, 2013
God's peace be with you in this horrific loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dawn Norfleet
July 2, 2013
Words can not describe the sadness we feel for you and your family. I hope you can feel the prayers all around you and find strength in them.
July 2, 2013
My heart weeps for all of you. May God give you comfort, peace and strength to endure such a tragedy.
Carol Underwood Burlington, NC
Charlotte
July 2, 2013
My heart breaks for the family of Dustin DeFord. I pray for God to comfort them with an everlasting peace and love.
Scott Chamberland
July 2, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
July 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing man.
robert
July 2, 2013
my heart is broken. god bless him, and your family.
FF
July 1, 2013
. I am so sorry for tragic loss of Dustin. Please be comforted by the fact that God cares.. He says "I have heard your prayers, I have seen your tears" 2 Kings 20:5.
July 1, 2013
As a total stranger living halfway across the country... my heart goes out to you on this horrific loss.
Dawn Stacey
July 1, 2013
Continue your watch from above :'(
Bill Walden
July 1, 2013
John 15:13
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