Remember Fallen Brothers
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Battalion Chief Scott Wilson passed away on October 11, 2025. Scott served the City of Riverside for 32 years with courage, honor, and dedication. Starting as a volunteer firefighter at 18, he built a lifelong career in service. He specialized in Truck operations, Technical Rescue, Wildland firefighting, and Safety Officer roles. A proud member of FEMA's CA-TF6, he responded to numerous national disasters on the front lines.
Captain Tim Strack, 53, passed away after suffering a job-related heart attack on April 1, 2023. Captain Strack served the City of Riverside Fire Department with honor for 28 years. He was a longtime, selfless servant President of the Riverside City Firefighters’ Association, Local 1067 for 21 years and a strong voice for frontline firefighters as the California Professional Firefighters 1st District Vice President for 10 years.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy, and their three children: Madeline, Justin, and Isabella.
David Campos served the community of Riverside with honor and distinction for over 39 years, rising to the rank of battalion chief. He was named Firefighter of the Year in 2010, and served as a member of the Urban Search and Rescue Team, as a historian and as an instrumental part of the department’s annual Spark of Love Toy Drive. David volunteered his time to mentor middle school students, organized food for the homeless through his church and worked with the Riverside Latino Network. David succumbed to the effects of job-related cancer in July of 2016 and is survived by Cathy, his wife of 35 years, his daughters Adriana and AnaLisa, and his grandchild.
Firefighter Eric Botkin fought a courageous battle against job-related brain cancer. and passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Eric will be deeply missed by his brothers and sisters of Local 1067. Riverside City Firefighters Local 1067 and the City of Riverside Fire Department mourn the loss of Brother Botkin, who passed on December 27th at the age of 41.
Brother Botkin served the City of Riverside Fire Department for nearly 20 years as a firefighter/paramedic before retiring on disability in 2007 due to his condition. Throughout his career, he also served as a fire investigator and earned his Engine Certification. His last assignment was Fire Station 13 on Canyon Springs Boulevard.
He is survived by his wife, Hallie, and their ten-year-old son, Hunter.
Ed Teran lived a rich and fulfilling life, dedicated to the greatest calling, the business of saving lives. His 17 years of service with the City of Riverside and his deployment with Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 6 following Hurricane Katrina are testaments to his commitment and courage.
He will be remembered for his sense of humor, strong work ethic, and devotion to his job, his family, and his fellow brothers and sisters of the Riverside Fire Department.
Ed’s legacy continues through a scholarship at his high school, St. John Bosco, and through the efforts of the Riverside City Firefighters Association Local 1067, who continue to raise funds for the Arrowhead Burn Center. Ed played a major role in supporting burn survivors, helping send children to the annual summer burn camp with shirts, hats, and backpacks.
Forty-three years of memories will continue to guide those who knew him, even in the darkest of times, to remember him as the great man and hero he was.
Ed is survived by his wife, Nanci; daughter, Lauren; sisters Sylvia, Anita, and Maria; his mother, Graciela; and his brothers and sisters of the City of Riverside Fire Department and Local 1067.
Ronald Kosar's life consisted of fighting fires, calf roping, horseback riding, being a licensed pilot, and serving his country. He was known to work hard, play hard, and live life to the fullest. After joining the National Guard and serving as a tank commander for two years, he worked for the City of Riverside Fire Department for over 30 years. During this time, he had moved up from the ranks of firefighter to engineer and finally retired as a fire captain.
Serving as a mentor to all those he worked with, Ron was able to manage a fire station and take charge of the everyday activities and training. "Rick," as he was called, will be missed by all who knew him - especially his horse "Axeman."
Inspired to pursue a career in the fire service after seeing a television commercial, Guadalupe “Lupe” Olivas visited his local fire department, became a volunteer, and began taking community college courses toward a degree. He found his passion in the fire service and joined the Riverside City Fire Department in 1983. Lupe was promoted to Engineer in 1988 and Captain in 1992.
During his 14 years with the department, he was known for his positive and caring attitude toward everyone he encountered.
Lupe was deeply involved in the community as the department spokesperson for KDIF Spanish Radio, coordinator for the Youth Education Motivation Program, and mentor for UC Riverside’s “Soy Hombre.” Off duty, he loved spending time with his family, attending church, and cheering on the Lakers.
John Pavlicek began his career in the fire service in 1965, when he was hired by the Riverside City Fire Department. He was promoted to the rank of engineer five years later, which he especially enjoyed. He continued to serve as a part of the Riverside community for 22 years. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and two daughters. He liked fishing and water sports, as well as spending many hours rebuilding and fixing cars in the family garage.
