Trust Fund for Orphaned Boys

On Sept. 16, firefighters in Pomona responded to a traffic accident which took the lives of Fred and Janet Forrest, leaving behind their three young boys.

Shem, 17, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered multiple broken bones and a shattered jaw. Justin, 12, and Daniel, 10, were trapped in the twisted wreckage for nearly an hour. Justin and Daniel sustained multiple injuries, Justin being the most seriously injured.

During the extrication, firefighters learned that the boys were going to their grandmother’s funeral and that they were a poor family who would be in need of financial assistance.

The tragedy of the accident did not escape emergency personnel at the scene. A trust fund was established in the name of the Forrest boys.

The response to this fund has been overwhelming. To date, we have received over 1,000 pieces of mail. We have been genuinely touched by each card and letter.

To all the employee groups, churches, school classrooms, factory workers and office personnel who collected money for the boys--we thank you!

To the businesses, service groups and sports figures who donated tremendous amounts of money--we thank you!

To the hundreds who apologized for not being able to afford more for the Forrest boys, your kindness has touched our lives--we thank you!

To you who have lost loved ones in a similar manner, our hearts go out to you. You know all too well the tragedy that struck the Forrest family. May God bless your lives.

Shem is living in Chino, the wires have been removed from his jaw, and it is his desire to attend a trade school in the area.

Justin and Daniel are living in Bakersfield with an aunt and uncle. Daniel is back in school and Justin should be out of his body cast just in time for Christmas.

Your thoughtfulness has not gone unnoticed by the family, or by Pomona firefighters. We here in Pomona want you to know what a wonderful thing you have done for these boys.

Shem, Justin and Daniel will recover from their physical injuries. And in the lonely hours they will be sustained by the love and concern of thousands of people who came to their aid when they needed it the most.

RONALD L. SWEARINGEN

Pomona Firefighter’s Assn.