July 18, 2018 - Mariposa - Members of the public paid their respects to CAL FIRE Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO), Braden Varney while he was escorted through Mariposa and into Catheys Valley, on the way to the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office on July 16, 2018.

The pictures below were sent in by area resident Pamela Sofranek.  Pamela said she was, “proud of our little community as we all showed our respects to this brave young man.”  We’d like to thank Pamela for sending in her pictures commemorating HFEO Braden Varney's travel through Catheys Valley.

HFEO Braden Varney was tragically killed on July 14, 2018 while assigned to the Ferguson Fire on the Sierra National Forest. He leaves behind a wife and two small children. Please continue to keep Braden, his loved ones and all responders on the front lines in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to work under extremely challenging conditions.

Photo credit: Pamela Sofranek

Related information: 
Procession Held for CAL FIRE HFEO Braden Varney Who Died Fighting the Ferguson Fire in Mariposa County