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Del Rosa Hotshots History

link to an image of 19 firefighters posing for a picture in a mountain meadow

A historic crew photo of the Del Rosa Hotshots (link to a FlickR photostream)

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Del Rosa Hotshots Patch Logo
(Forest Service)

 

The Spanish name Del Rosa translated in English means, The Rose

1945

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) were stationed at the Del Rosa work center. Many crews working at various projects throughout the greater San Bernardino area were stationed at this camp. One of the many tasks assigned to the camp was fire suppression duties.

1946

The fire suppression crew was renamed the Del Rosa Hot Shots administered by the San Bernardino, National Forest. The crew has been in the same location since it was formed.

Originally the crew was made up of two separate crews consisting of 15 people each, one Superintendent, one Assistant Superintendent and two Crew Forman for a total of thirty-two personnel, and several support personnel (cooks and camp help).

The crew adopted its name from the small community that lies below the work center and Del Rosa Boulevard that leads to the Hot Shot camp from Hwy 30 to the west, the work center is now considered to be in the city limits of San Bernardino.

1960's

In the mid 1960’s the Del Rosa Hotshots became one of three Interregional Hotshot crews in the Region. This status allowed them to travel to other regions with in the U.S. for fire assignments.

At one time the crew had their own airplane that was used for transportation to out of region assignments. They also staffed a 250 gallon pumper at the Del Rosa work center for initial attack on forest.

Crew Superintendents

NameDates
David BoreroCurrent
Neil Gamboa2013-2018
Jim Tomaselli2005-2013
Jeff Koenig1999-2005(detailed 1999-appointed 2000)
Scott Wagner1997-1998(detailed 1997-appointed 1998)
Ron Regan1978-1997 (retired in place)
Gary Lange1976-1977
Kenny Tortez1966-1976
Eldon Henry 
Bob Robbins 
Gary Ewart1962-1965
Don Mc Cormack1960-1962
Ernie Lemelin1957-1960
Mike Roberts1954-1957
Gordon Bosteder1950-1954
George McCarty1949-1950
Toby Ortega1946-1949
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CA Hotshots logo for page
(Forest Service)

California IHCs Website

Last updated April 4th, 2025