In Memoriam: Captain David Rosa, LBFD

A sea of public safety employees accompanied Captain David Rosa’s casket into the Long Beach arena July 3 for a final farewell to the popular firefighter.  Scottish bagpipes and drums set a somber tone followed by a multi-state honor guard and his fire engine “hearse.”  Thousands of well-wishers attended. Captain Rosa was fatally shot last week by a 77-year-old resident of Covenant Manor, a senior-living building in downtown Long Beach. Rosa was answering a fire/explosion call. In critical condition, he was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center where he later expired. Hired by the Long Beach Fire Department in 2001, his home base was at Fire Station 10 in Central Long Beach. Friends and family spoke volumes about Rosa’s gift of caring about his fellow man.  He often helped with Little League, always staying behind making sure all of the children were picked up by their parents.  David was notoriously compassionate and loved his job of saving others.  Community service was his benchmark. A devoted family man, Captain Rosa left behind his wife, Lynley, and two grown children.