Long Beach Fire Captain David Rosa memorialized on 5 Freeway in San Juan Capistrano

Fire Capt. David Rosa was a model firefighter, one the city of Long Beach was blessed to call its own, says fellow firefighter Rex Pritchard.

Rosa, 45, was fatally struck by gunfire on June 25, 2018, while responding to an explosion at a highrise senior-living complex. His death shook the region and his memorial service drew thousands.

On Tuesday, a sign marking the Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa Memorial Highway was placed on the 5 Freeway in San Juan Capistrano.

“Our membership made a commitment to never forget,” said Pritchard, president of the Long Beach Firefighters Association.

The 17-year fire veteran was raised in Long Beach, but later moved to the south Orange County city with his wife and two sons. He was active in the community, coached Little League and eventually became president of the San Juan Capistrano league.

Pritchard first met Rosa when they played football against each other in high school, but later they became colleagues at the Long Beach Fire Department, working together for years at Station 10.

“Dave was larger than life,” Pritchard said. “He was a jokester, someone that’d always make you laugh in the station and have a good time, but he was also a hard nosed captain. He expected everyone to perform at a high level; he trained hard, he took his job seriously.”

The cost of the two signs – one in each direction – were approximately $8,300 for the signs and installation, said Christine Knadler, Caltrans spokeswoman.

The Firefighters Association sold shirts to raise approximately $13,000 for the memorial highway, Pritchard said. It’s designated as the portion of the 5 Freeway between Camino Las Ramblas and the Ortega Highway.

“As people drive by and see a sign like that, remember Dave,” Pritchard said, “And the firefighters in your hometown and community, who are putting their lives on the line for their community every single day.”