Fallen Firefighter Remembered With Lake Tahoe Candlelight Vigil

By Kelly Ryan

LAKE TAHOE (CBS13) — It was a somber farewell for a firefighter who died in the line of duty in Lake Tahoe as hundreds turned out for a vigil to remember Michael Hallenbeck.

Friends, family and coworkers of Michael Hallenbeck streamed into the Sierra at Tahoe Resort at sunset ahead of a candlelight vigil for the 21-year-old killed last Saturday while responding to a wildfire.

Kyle Cadwell met Hallenback at summer camp, lost touch and became friends again years later.

"He's always been just a genuine guy he's always been one of those people you remember one of those people that even if you lose contact with he always just keeps a place in your heart, always," he said.

John Buckley never met Hallenbeck but came to honor him.

"My son's a wildlife firefighter so this is in fact one of his brothers and I think the least I can do is to say thank you to his parents for such treasures they gave up it's a small thing to do I think," he said.

Hallenbeck was struck by a tree while battling the Sierra fire in South Lake Tahoe. He was a member of the organized crew 36 on the Lake Tahoe basin management unit. Hallenbeck's father thanked those gathered for their love then lit a special candle.

Besides tears there was laughter remembering a man who loved life and loved what he was doing.