Murrieta Fire Department to Plant Tree in Memory of Hometown Soldier

A tree will be planted by the Murrieta Fire Department Saturday to remember one of its own, fallen U.S. Army Sgt. Eric E. Williams.

The planting is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 27, at Murrieta Fire Station No. 1, 41825 Juniper Street. The public is invited to attend.

Williams, a former president of the department's Fire Explorers program, while serving as a combat medic in Operation Enduring Freedom.

His mother, Janet Williams, of Murrieta, has chosen a California Oak to be planted in her son’s honor along with an etched stone with his name to be placed at the base of the tree, according to a news release.

"The tree is a symbol of strength and considered a native species to this area he called home," stated Murrieta Fire Department Spokesman Matt Corelli.

"The Murrieta Fire Department is proud of the men and women of our community that are serving in the armed forces and our commitment to the memory of those who have lost their lives so bravely will be memorialized for a fellow member of the Fire Department," Corelli stated.

The Fire Department plans to keep the tree on its grounds as a reminder of Williams' service to his community as a fire explorer and to his country as a soldier.

"The family, friends and Fire Department personnel will be there to proudly plant the tree and place the stone so that Sergeant Williams will be forever remembered for his service to humanity," Corelli stated.