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Funeral Held For Ventura County Firefighter Killed In Line Of Duty

WESTLAKE VILLAGE (CBSLA.com) — More than 1,000 firefighters from all over California attended a funeral service Monday for a Ventura County firefighter killed in the line of duty.

The funeral began at 11 a.m. at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village. The ceremony included engines from every company Ryan Osler served in.

"Everyday he came in to work willing and ready to sacrifice," Chief Mark Lorenzen of the Ventura County Fire Department said.

Two weeks ago, Osler made the biggest one. On Sept. 21, he died after his truck rolled over on Highway 246.

He was on his way to assist with the battle of the Canyon Fire, which threatened the Vandenberg Air Force base in Lompoc.

His sisters told stories about the brother who teased them, his love of family and his dedication to his job as a second-generation firefighter.

"If he could help someone just to make a day in their life a little better, he would. This is the core of his character." sister Jeanine Osler said. "Not that long ago, he received recognition for helping deliver a baby while on duty. He was so excited to share his story with my sister and me and our family. I couldn't help but smile for my brother."

But it was clear to everyone who knew Osler that his passion was his two children.

"He loved driving Brandon all over Southern California to watch him play baseball," friend Mike Hammer said. "He loved to watch Amanda sing in her recitals."

As touching as the words were, what one couldn't hear in the service were moments including the one when Osler's captain handed his firefighter helmets to his children.

"We will always miss you, and we will never forget you," Chief Lorenzen said.

"He put us first and protected us. Somewhere in my heart, I believe he still continues to do that," his sister said.

 

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