Turlock resident Chief Russ Richards, who served the Stanislaus County in numerous ways through the fire service, was given a fitting tribute from the firefighting community in the wake of his passing.
Firefighters from around the county and beyond made a procession by Richards' family home to pay their respects and honor the many contributions he made to the community.
Richards has held many positions in fire service, including fire investigation for the Stanislaus County Fire Warden's Office, Fire Warden for Stanislaus County, the first Chief of Stanislaus Consolidated Fire District after its creation, and an Office of Emergency Services Coordinator.
"Chief Richards built relationships with trust and respect to all the fire agencies in Stanislaus County," said Michael Wilkinson, retired Fire Warden. "He led by example and made everyone feel like they were important, they mattered and they were one of his best friends. He was truthful and always treated everyone with respect and dignity even when you needed to adjust and correct your behavior or actions.

"Chief Richards was a role model as a firefighter and a man," Wilkinson said.