Patriot Guard Riders say goodbye to Brawley smoke jumper

The Yuma motorcycle club Patriot Guard Riders led a solemn procession for one of their Brawley brothers.

Veteran, firefighter and smoke jumper 52-year-old Ray “Squeegie” Fernandez Rubio was laid to rest on Friday at Riverview Cemetery.

Will Torres, Rubio’s friend since seventh grade, said, “First of all it’s very overwhelming.”

He was touched by the outpour of love and respect shown by those who attended the service and the funeral.

“You know Squeegie – he would’ve loved that. That was really cool,” Torres said.

Patriot Guard Riders said they’re proud to be part of Rubio’s last ride.

“He did about 26 years smoke jumping and that’s why you see all the fire departments out here,” Lorenzo Lizarraga said.

“Our mission is to come out and honor first responders, veterans, and show the community that these folks are truly honored for their service they provided our great nation,” Mark Hanley said.

Henley said their support was for the family as well.

“But it’s more for their families. It’s someone saying, his service was valuable,” Hanley said.

Imperial County firefighters showed their support, also.

Rubio had just finished fighting a fire in Alabama when something terrible happened.

“He got in a severe accident and passed away on December twentieth,” Torres said.

Now his family and friends can only say goodbye to Rubio showing the greatest love and respect possible.

“He’s a good friend. We’re going to miss him,” Gabriel Rebollar said.