Mourners begin to assemble to honor Long Beach fire captain killed in the line of duty

eFirefighters representing agencies across Southern California have gathered outside the Long Beach Convention Center awaiting a procession that will bring the body of slain Long Beach fire Capt. David Rosa Tuesday morning for a memorial service in front of thousands of mourners.

Across from the Convention Center, law enforcement personnel representing multiple agencies  practiced “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes before 9 a.m. and residents on their morning walks stopped to take in the scene and snap photos.

“Firefighters risk their lives every day just by showing up,” said Shelby Buckley, 34. “It’s just sad for everybody.”

More liive coverage of fallen Long Beach fire captain David Rosa’s memorial service

Some 8,000 people are expected to attend the public service at the Long Beach Convention Center that begins at 10 a.m., including firefighters from across Southern California and the nation. Fire personnel from Miami-Dade County are here to pay their respects.

A 17-year veteran of the Long Beach Fire Department, Rosa was also a beloved Little League volunteer in San Juan Capistrano, the city where he lived.

Rosa, on June 25, became the first Long Beach firefighter in 44 years to be killed in the line of duty. He was gunned down while responding to a predawn explosion at the Covenant Manor retirement home. The resident charged with killing Rosa is also accused of wounding two others after attempting to carry out a murder- suicide targeting a woman who lived above him. She was not hurt.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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