It takes a great soul to bring together so many. Captain Ruben Joseph Duran left this Earth on September 12th, the same day that he arrived 54 years ago. Yesterday, he was laid to rest by a community who loved and will miss him dearly with a touching display of respect, love and unity. While I normally document the beginning of life, it was a heartbreaking honor to be asked to help document the ceremonies marking the end of this very special life. Recently, I was told by someone close to me that one of the most difficult parts of losing a loved one is watching everyone around you go on as if nothing has happened. That wasn’t the case yesterday in Chico. Streets were closed, hundreds of community members and emergency responders from surrounding organizations came to mourn, and Cal Fire took over all Chico fire stations so Captain Joe’s entire department could say goodbye. In the sadness, there was an overwhelming sense of beauty in seeing so many come to walk beside their brother one last time. The great hole in the heart of our fire family was filled by the love of a community. Rest in peace, Joe. You will be missed. 
