U.S. Forest Service firefighter Engine Captain Dave Ruhl of Rapid City killed in the line of duty

The Black Hills National Forest Service has confirmed the name of the Forest Service firefighter who died in the line of duty in California.

Engine Captain Dave Ruhl of Rapid City was responding to the Frog Fire within the Modoc National Forest outside of Alturas, California.
Forest Service officials say Ruhl was on temporary assignment to the Big Valley Ranger District as an assistant fire management officer since June 14th, his permanent position is Engine Captain on the Mystic Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest in Rapid City.
Ruhl was 38 years old and lived in Rapid City with his wife and two children and the Forest Supervisor says their hearts are heavy.

Craig Bobzien says, "It's a loss for all of us and our hearts go out to Dave's family, he leaves so many friends, so many coworkers that just have so much respect for Dave. He's the kind of person that I can't help but admire just by his ways, he's a quiet leader, passionate about his profession as a wildland firefighter, it's a great loss for all of us."

A search and rescue began late Thursday evening when contact could not be made with Ruhl, the search continued throughout the night until he was found dead and identified the next morning.
Further details will be released pending a Forest Service investigation.