CALIFORNIA: A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO 9/11
Play Tribute Recording    
On December 8, 2001, over one thousand New York firefighters, Law enforcement officers, rescue workers and family members of fallen officers arrived in Central California. They came at the invitation of valley businessman David McDonald, Pres./CEO Pelco, who hosted a memorial dedication honoring the true heroes of 9/11.

A heart warming, patriotic and emotional CD commemorating that memorable day has been produced. The official release was Saturday, February 23, 2002, at a live and emotional concert/dedication sponsored by Borders Books in Fresno’s River Park. Randy Deaver and Crossfire performed a one-hour show to over 1,000 Central California firefighters, law enforcement personnel and valley fans. In addition, several mounted police officers, an overhead patrol chopper, two new fire engines and a vintage fire truck provided by the City of Clovis were on hand. Rick Bubenik, Executive Producer and Owner of Ricana Records, dedicated the CD to all California’s public servants who put their lives on the line every day. Dan Johnson performed his unforgettable song titled "The Bravest" to a tearful audience as two new video’s from the CD debuted in the background. Over 1,233 CD’s were sold. Partial proceeds will be going directly to the FDNY UFA/UFOA and NYPD PBA Widow’s and Children’s Fund. The CD is titled California: A Memorial Tribute to 9/11/01.

The project was inspired by two FDNY firefighters… Here is the story:

On that Saturday afternoon two performing artists had just finished their songs on stage to a roaring crowd of thousands. Dan Johnson performed an emotional song written by Tom Paxton titled "The Bravest". Randy Deaver performed his version of "God Bless the USA" complete with a roaring crowd and chants of USA, USA. Following their performances, Randy and producer Rick Bubenik were approached by several firefighters with tearful eyes…two in particular, Bobby McLaughlin and Brian Stoffers of FDNY Rescue 5. Bobby described to Randy what his song meant to him and insisted Randy accept his heroes medal. Not feeling worthy, Randy tried to refuse. Bobby then signed the ribbon forcing Randy to accept, which he reluctantly did. Bobby explained how for the last three months he had been at ground zero digging out his friends and burying them. Rescue 5 sent 14 firefighters that morning, only 1 returned. Standing next to Bobby was firefighter Brian who began to tell his story of how he had resigned his dangerous job just two weeks prior to 9/11 as a gift to his wife. On the morning of 9/11, he headed to the firehouse to clear out his locker when the alarm came in. Having already resigned, two fellow firefighters on overtime went in his place…both did not return. Brian’s guilt has been overwhelming. He said Randy’s song had given him a since of peace and a whole new purpose in life, a reason for living. He too signed Randy’s new ribbon.

After relating these two stories to Pelco personnel, Pelco provided Randy another ribbon. At the final farewell party held Saturday night at the home of Mr. McDonald, Randy was able to find Bobby, sign this new ribbon and present it back to him. Needless to say, the moment was highly emotional. Bobby immediately broke down and began to describe a telephone conversation he had with his wife earlier in the day and how she wanted to know "who this new man was" and "why is he now so charged-up about life?"

Rick has since had conversations with Bobby and his chief at Rescue 5. As of just a few weeks ago, Bobby too has retired. However, they have not forgotten about Randy and Dan. In fact, they have been invited to march in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (Pelco’s David McDonald will be one of this years Grand Marshals) and perform at several firehouses throughout the city as well as at the post parade NYPD and FDNY celebrations. FDNY is also working on getting them on network television shows with Bobby and Brian to tell the story and sing their songs. March 13-17, Rick, engineer Jeff Hall, Randy and Dan will be flying to NY along with 550 California firefighters and law enforcement officers to reunite with their East Cost brothers and sisters.

Days following the Dec. 8th memorial, several e-mails from New York and Calif. Firefighters & Policemen were received requesting their songs. Because of Bobby and Brian’s stories and those request, Rick decided to produce the CD as a commemorative tribute. The CD is dedicated to all those who gave so much on that day and is inscribed on the CD as being inspired by Bobby and Brian. To their amazement, the acceptance has been overwhelming. Endorsements have come from the NYPD Emerald Society, FDNY Officers Union, PORAC, The Peace Officers Research Assoc. of Calif. and several others. Dozen of telephone calls from radio stations throughout the country have requested a copy. In fact, it is just now beginning to receive regular airplay on many stations and because Los Angeles also sent several hundred firefighters to New York, the duo has been approached about the CD as a fund raiser for the LAFD and a request for them to perform at several LA firehouses.

Partial proceeds from wholesale sales will be going directly to the FDNY UFA/UFOA and NYPD PBA Window’s and Children’s Fund. The CD has been made available, wholesale ($7.00) from Ricana Records, to PORAC (Peace Officers Research Association of California) as a fund raiser for their own Calif. Memorial. This same offer is being made to any NY fire or law enforcement organization as well. Retail cost is expected to range from $10.00 to $12.00 depending on the organizations mark-up. The CD is also available from any on-line music source i.e. Amazon, CD Now, Barnes & Nobles etc, ricanamedia.com or can be ordered by any music store through "The Orchard" in NY.

California: A Memorial Tribute to 9/11 consist of 5 selections. It begins with an emotional and powerful arrangement of "The Pledge of Allegiance" produced and arranged by award winning producer Jeff Hall of Maximus Media in Fresno, followed by the NYPD Emerald Pipes & Drums version of "Amazing Grace". The third selection is the most memorable, "The Bravest" written by Tom Paxton and performed by Dan Johnson, followed by a live and highly charged version of Lee Greenwood’s "God Bless the USA" performed by Randy Deaver. The final cut is a simple song titled "People that Matter". It is a song about the everyday people in our lives that go the extra mile to help a stranger. The song was first released on his debut CD titled "Senses". Fresno’s distinguished award winning graphic artist Paul Zylka designed the packaging. Photographs were provided by Pelco.

Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Dan Johnson ("The Bravest") is a Music Minister at Sierra View Community Church in Sanger, CA. He is considered to be one of California’s premier guitar players & performers.

Randy Deaver ("God Bless the USA" & "People that Matter") is a Calif. State Fish & Game Warden who has an obvious bright future in country music. His first CD, "Senses" was successfully released late last year after working along side music greats such as John Beland of The Eagles (producer) and Larry Bastian of Garth Brooks (writer).

Jeff Hall, owner of Maximus Media Studios in Fresno, CA operates one of the finest audio recording studios & video facilities anywhere in the state. Jeff produced and arranged an unforgettable version of "The Pledge of Allegiance". Jeff’s personal contribution to the project has been both relentless and motivating. His years of expertise and passion are demonstrated throughout the CD.

Record Executive and producer Rick Bubenik has been a broadcast veteran for over 34 years dating back to the age of 14 as Central California’s disc jockey "Rick Alan". Prior to creating Ricana Media Group, a full service regional advertising agency, Rick spent several years as a radio/TV commercial announcer/producer and managed the marketing departments for a FOX and NBC television affiliate. Ricana Records is a subsidiary of Ricana Media Group and was formed in early 2001.

Nationwide distribution is provided through The Orchard in NY and is available through any on-line music source, a favorite music store or at www.ricanamedia.com. For booking information, fund raising opportunities and more information, contact Ricana Media Group.