DOWNED FIREFIGHTER REMEMBERED AT PUBLIC RALLY
 Santa Barbara Restaurant Group, Inc.
Contact: Frank Groff
The courage and dedication of a downed hero was remembered during a community rally for Orange
County firefighters attended by more than 500 local residents at the new La
Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill in Orange.
Rick Hibbard, a fire captain from Garden Grove, accepted nearly $1,500
from La Salsa representatives to give to the family of his late brother,
Michael, also a firefighter who recently lost his life in a traffic
accident. La Salsa also unveiled a makeshift receptacle -- an authentic firefighter's boot -- in which
the public was encouraged to make cash donations to the D. Michael Hibbard
Foundation to further assist his widow and four children.
According to Kevin Osborn, president of La Salsa, the community rally was organized to show
support for our own local heroes who "put their lives on the line
everyday."
"While the New York firefighters are receiving much-deserved accolades, we decided to create
an opportunity where local residents could demonstrate their appreciation for
our own hometown heroes -- the firefighters of Orange County," said
Osborn. "We're delighted that so many people came out to show their support and were proud to be a part of the
legacy of Mr. Hibbard."
Representatives from the Santa Ana, Corona, Garden Grove and both the city and county of Orange
fire departments were on hand to receive recognition in the form of "plaques of
appreciation" from La Salsa company officials. La Salsa also distributed complimentary meals to all
attendees and the public had an opportunity to meet with firefighters and see
several giant rigs up close.
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