Josh Bischof

CAL FIRE Assistant Chief of Tactical Air Operations Josh Bischof passed away on August 6, 2023 in a helicopter collision while attempting to put out a wildfire in California.

Bischof was born in North Hollywood, California and raised in Mountain Center, California. His childhood was full of adventure, having traveled around the world. He was very active in sports and competed on the Junior National Luge Olympic Team. The oldest of four in a very loving family on a farm in the mountains, Bischof learned the value of hard work and had a tremendous work ethic and drive from a young age. He was raised with Christian values and had a servant’s heart. Bischof and his wife, Cheryl, were high school sweethearts before marrying in 1999.

In 1997, Bischof joined Station 78 as a volunteer firefighter. After running a few calls, he knew he wanted to help others and fight fire. In 1998, he was hired with US Forest Service as a Hot Shot for one year before being hired with CAL FIRE in the spring of 1999. Bischof loved everything about his career; the high adrenaline, hard work, and serving others. He was an advocate for continual training, with a passion to always want to learn and do better. Additionally, Bischof was promoted several times throughout his career and became a leader across the state of California, teaching numerous classes. When he was introduced to the air program at Hemet Ryan Air Base, Bischof found a new passion. He loved being a captain on the helicopter, and was later air attack qualified and returned as the chief of the airbase. Most recently, Bischof was promoted to Assistant Chief in TAO, which was his dream job. In August of 2023, he was fighting a wildfire when two helicopters collided, tragically and prematurely ending his life.

Cheryl currently resides in California with her children, Derek and Juliana. She is an advocate for families to help them prepare for the worst in financial situations. She relies on her husband’s legacy as the foundation upon which to rebuild. Cheryl and her children are committed to making him proud and living their lives to the fullest, just as he did. She is eternally grateful to Tunnel to Towers for allowing her family to remain in their home as they navigate their grief and focus on healing. Finally, Cheryl would like others to know that she and her husband lived their dream lives and never settled for less than their hearts’ desires. She would like others to remember to not let the stresses and worries of life steal joy.

CAL FIRE Assistant Chief of Tactical Air Operations Josh Bischof is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl, and his beautiful children, Derek and Juliana.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Bischof family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.