Friends, family, and members of the community on Monday honored a fallen firefighter who died during the Ferguson Fire on July 14 in Mariposa County.
"He was doing what he loved more than anything in the world: operating equipment which he loved, in the mountains where he loved – for his fellow human beings whom he loved to serve," said Braden Varney's widow, Jessica.
Varney, 36, was a second generation heavy fire equipment operator for Cal Fire.
A celebration of life for Varney was held Monday at The House Modesto. More than 2,000 people, including 1,000 firefighters from across California attended Varney's memorial service.
The 10-year Cal Fire veteran died after his bulldozer rolled over in a steep canyon while fighting the Ferguson Fire.
“Manners, respect, kindness, and caring were instilled in him at a young age,” said his friend and colleague, Dean “Woody” Mullis, during the celebration of life service.
Varney is survived by his wife Jessica, daughter Maleah, and son Nolan.
The service was open to the public — and afterward, close friends and family said their final farewells at a private funeral.