Slain Fire Captain Honored At San Juan Capistrano All-Stars Game

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Players from San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente's All Star Little League baseball teams honored slain Long Beach Fire Capt. Dave Rosa prior to the start of their game, Tuesday, at Cox Sports Park. They were joined by members of San Juan Capistrano's Engine #7, Ladera Ranch #58 and Long Beach #3 engine crews, all in full dress uniform, who shared a tribute to Rosa.

A longtime San Juan Capistrano little league volunteer and volunteer umpire for that organization, Rosa served as past president for the south OC Little League.

On their website, the San Juan Capistrano Little League mourned his loss with a message to Rosa, declaring their gratefulness to his dedication to the boys, the team and the league.

"He was a truly amazing individual, on and off the field, who will be missed by all," it was during the memorial service.

A moment of silence was offered in Rosa's memory, before the game, as was an emotional reading of the Firefighter's Prayer.

Helicopters and official vehicles made the trek from Long Beach to the city of Laguna Woods in Orange County, officials sad. Police and fire fighters showed solidarity for Capt. Dave Rosa, 45, a 17-year veteran of the Long Beach Fire Department, who was shot and killed during a fire at a low- income senior apartment home Monday.

Orange County Fire Authority and Long Beach Fire ladder trucks angled two fully extended ladders to hold a flag in Rosa's honor, preparing for his arrival to the Laguna Woods area mortuary. Flowers and wreaths were sent, and more arrive daily in his memory, according to reports from the scene.

Rosa is survived by his wife, Lynley, and sons Alec, 25, and Samuel, 16. In his honor, flags will be flown at half-staff at the Capitol in Sacramento.

Rosa's body was initially taken to the coroner's office in Boyle Heights. At about 3 p.m., a coroner's van, escorted by police and fire department vehicles, left the facility en route to McCormick & Son mortuary in Laguna Hills. Fire department crews from several cities lined overpasses along the route to pay tribute to their fallen colleague. An honor guard had remained with the body until it was transferred to the funeral home.

A candlelight vigil for Rosa was held at Fire Station 10, where he was assigned.

Meanwhile, messages of condolence continued to pour in from across the nation.

Across Orange County, the Irvine Police Explorers hand-crafted mourning bands for Long Beach Fire Department and police personnel to wear on their badges in memory of Rosa.

See the procession from the air:

Information about the fund for Capt. Dave Rosa's family is available at www.friendsoflbfire.org/police-fire-memorial, according to the Long Beach Fire Department.

On Monday, a 77- year-old resident of the senior apartments allegedly set off an explosion then opened fire on rescuers who responded to the scene, killing Rosa and injuring at least two others. Read the full report on Patch Long Beach.

Amy Spurgeon Hoffman photo & Video.