Nov 18, 2007 5:59 pm US/Central
Family, Friends Say Firefighter Valued Family
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The City of Dallas lost a dedicated fireman Saturday morning after an accused drunk driver struck and killed Julio Alvarado Junior.
Police say Alvarado was died instantly when 36-year-old Derone Jones slammed into his vehicle at Cockrell Hill Road and Illinois Avenue.
According to traffic investigators, Jones may have been driving up to 90 miles per hour at the time of the accident.
When rescue crews arrived on scene, Lt. Joel Lavender said they immediately knew the victim was a fellow firefighter.
"He had a lot of influence with his family, lots of sports activities, he was well liked, and did a fine job," said Dallas Fire-Rescue Lt. J. A. Green about Alvarado.
Alvarado served three years as a firefighter, following in the footsteps of two in-laws.
Margie Dalas, Alvarado's sister-in-law, spoke highly of Alvarado. "My prayer was, 'Lord, just let her find a good husband,'" she said about her sister. "When Julio came, it was like, 'Lord, thank you so much.'"
Dalas said she's asking for God's help again. She said she's asking God to help her sister deal with the loss of her husband and best friend.
"We all dream to have a love like this, that Julio had for Terry and for the kids," said Dalas. "He's definitely a man who loved his work and did his best above and beyond what was expected of him."
Alvarado was also the couch of the North Oak Cliff Eagles little league team.
"Julio was very involved in our organization. He was a coach, good father and he's going to be sorely missed," said Robert Brodner, one of Alvarado's friends.
"The Lord made her very strong, and she'll be able to handle the things that come up," said Dalas.
Alvarado will be laid to rest on Tuesday.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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