Dispatcher Planned Tribute to Fallen Soldier

When motorists began calling police last Saturday about fire engines parked on highway overpasses near San Jose (Calif.) with firefighters standing at attention, there was one answer: U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Arden Joseph A. Buenagua. The 19 year-old soldier was killed the day before Thanksgiving while on patrol in Afghanistan, and the tribute by firefighters followed his route from the funeral home to the Golden Gate National Cemetery. What callers did not learn is that the tribute was arranged by 27-year veteran San Jose fire dispatcher Tracy Deitschman, who has a brother and nephew in the military. Upon learning of the funeral procession, Deitschman telephoned fire departments along the route, arranging the tribute. Read more about Deitschman’s contribution here.