Former Menifee fire chief Bischof killed in helicopter crash

By Doug Spoon, Editor

City of Menifee officials expressed shock and sadness Monday with the news that former Menifee Fire Chief Josh Bischof was killed in a helicopter crash while fighting a fire in Cabazon Sunday night.

Bischof, a resident of Menifee, served 3 ½ years as Battalion 13 Chief in Menifee before being transferred to the Riverside County Fire Department’s Hemet Ryan Air Attack Base in February 2020. As Assistant Chief there, he coordinated aerial attacks on fires in the area.

Bischof was one of three men in a Bell helicopter that collided with another helicopter Sunday night, said Cal Fire Southern Region Chief David Fulcher in a press conference on Monday. Also killed in the crash were Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez and Exclusive Use Helicopter Pilot Tony Souza.

The helicopters and two air tankers were responding to a wildfire that was sparked by a structure fire at Broadway and Esperanza avenues in Cabazon, Fulcher said. The Bell helicopter was acting in an observation and coordination role. The other helicopter, which typically drops water or fire retardant, was able to land safely after the crash.

The crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

“It’s so sad to lose such a great guy who was appreciated by those who worked with him,” Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman said. “Our hearts are with him. He always had a smile on his face. That’s why his team liked working with him.”

Bischof supervised operations of the Cal Fire helicopter and air tankers assigned to the Hemet Ryan base. In response to incidents, Bischof served as the Air Tactical Group Supervisor, overseeing resources and air traffic control during vegetation fires.

“Josh was a great leader for our city in the four years he was here,” said former Menifee City Council member Matt Liesemeyer. “I enjoyed serving on the council while he was one of our battalion chiefs. I knew him to always be encouraging of those around him, lifting his peers and yet always pushing himself to be better.

“He took the time with the Council to educate us on operations and challenges and I know I personally always appreciated what his experience brought to our city. I kept in touch with Josh after he left, going to visit him at the air attack base a couple times. He loved flying and that’s where his heart was. A lot of people are going to miss him. I know I will too.”

"Our deepest condolences go out to CalFire/Riverside County Fire Department and the family and friends of Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and Exclusive Use Helicopter Pilot Tony Sousa, who lost their lives in the line of duty last night," the City of Menifee posted on its Facebook page.

"Assistant Chief Bischof was a Menifee resident and served as our City’s Battalion Chief for 3.5 years until being transferred to the Hemet Ryan Air Attack Base in 2020. He was an extraordinary public servant who left a positive impact in our community and will be deeply missed.

Please keep all of these men, their families, and CalFire in your hearts and prayers."