Loved Ones Remember Colton Firefighter Killed In Crash

COLTON (CBSLA.com) — By candlelight, a son looked on as crowds from Colton said farewell to his to father. They all came to remember and mourn and appreciate David Lodarski, who was a firefighter.

"The world's missing a good man, a very good man," said one mourner.

Lodarski recently was killed in a crash with a motorist suspected of driving under the influence. He leaves behind Cyndi, his wife of 35 years.

"Cyndi, I am so sorry. I am so sorry,"Colton fire Chief Tim McHargue said.

Their son Hunter was injured the crash, too. He's recovering.

He's also a firefighter, and when he joined the force, his father actually went down in rank because of department rules about family working with family.

"Dave decided to demote, and with tears in his eyes, he looked at me in his office and said 'Chief, there wouldn't be anything better than to have my son work with me at the Colton Fire Department,' " McHargue said.

Wednesday night, he was posthumously given back his rank.

Lodarski spent 38 proud years serving the city. His friends say his influence is unforgettable.

"Dave had a way of bringing a smile to everybody's face, even in the gravest of situations," Battalion Chief Don Benfield said.

Lodarski had filed his retirement paperwork a week before the crash. He was looking forward to spending more time outdoors.