Former Redondo Beach fire chief dies - The Daily Breeze
Richard Bridges, who served as fire chief in Redondo Beach for five years, died Monday. He was 64.
Bridges, a Redondo Beach resident who held the city's top fire job from 1989 to 1994, most recently served as associate dean of public safety and fire technology at Santa Ana College, running the school's fire academy.
"He was an inspiration to a lot of people here at the college and we are all better people for having known him," academy commander Ken Soltis said.
Bridges' death resulted from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.
His wife, Alice, said he had been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor 14 months ago.
Alice Bridges summoned fire officials Monday when she found her husband.
Bridges was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"He gave it the good fight and I think had gotten to the point where he just had enough," Alice Bridges said.
"What has sustained him over the last 14 months is his undying faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He just really had a strong belief in God and that people need to know the truth about the Bible. He led his life that way."
Bridges was fire chief in National City from 1979 to 1983 and in Daly City before he was hired to run the Redondo Beach department in 1989.
Bridges took the fire chief job in Santa Monica in 1994.
Bridges moved on to Santa Ana College in 1997, running the program that trained students to become firefighters and other positions in the fire services.
Bridges underwent surgery and chemotherapy and recently had some surgeries because of complications from medication, his wife said.
He worked through the beginning of the summer, Soltis said.
"Excellent, excellent man," Soltis said. "You just can't say enough about someone like him. He was definitely a quality individual."
Bridges was married to his wife for 28 years. They had two daughters and four granddaughters.
"He was a wonderful man and had so many people loving him and praying for him all around the world," his wife said.
"I think that's why we have sustained the journey for so long. He was quite a man."
RIP Jefe. It was an honor to work for you, and with you. You will be sorely missed, but your lessons will always be remembered. Thank you. SF
A celebration memorial service for Richard Bridges in the main sanctuary will be held on this Friday, September 5th at 3:00 p.m.to 4:00 p.m. at Rolling Hills Covenant Church.Please note Alice has requested that dress be business casual.
2222 Palos Verdes Dr. N., Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Church Telephone Number: 310-519-9406. (mapquest)
There is a website that you can go to: www.LAfuneral.com.
There is a ice cream sundae buffet to follow which is downstairs in Carlson Hall.
Please continue to spread the word.
