The Riverside City Fire Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our brother, Battalion Chief Scott Wilson.
Scott was as tough as they come — a true firefighter’s chief who always placed the needs of his brothers and sisters above his own. His strength and work ethic were unmatched, but it was his heart that defined him. He was a devoted family man and friend who took care of others without hesitation. Scott was one of the founding members of the Riverside City Fire Honor Guard, established in 1995. He continued to serve with pride and dedication, honoring our fallen up to his last event at the 2023 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs. From 2013 to 2020, Scott also served on the Riverside City Firefighters Association Board of Directors, where he fought tirelessly for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for all members. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his brothers and sisters will never be forgotten.
Chief Wilson is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jennifer Wilson, and five sons: Jacob, Joshua, Alex, Christian, and Josef, who are the pride of his life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire Riverside Fire Department family.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life Ceremony for fallen Battalion Chief Scott Wilson.
Thursday October 30th, 2025, 11AM.
The Grove Community Church
19900 Grove Community Dr.
Riverside, CA 92508
The procession begins at 9:30AM. The service will be livestreamed beginning at 10:15AM.
Apparatus Display reporting time is at 9:00 AM at The Grove Community Church.
Contact Deputy Chief Michael Allen, mballen@riversideca.gov, 951-323-4259
Honor Guard reporting time is at 7:30 AM at The Grove Community Church.
Contact Honor Guard Commander Mark Thompson, mathompson@riversideca.gov, 951-966-1135
Pipes and Drums reporting time is at 7:30 AM at The Grove Community Church.
Contact Captain Ben Hunt, bhunt2@riversideca.gov, 909-456-6029
TRAFFIC ALERT
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, a funeral procession honoring Riverside Fire Department Chief Scott Wilson will take place beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m. The procession will depart from Fire Station 1 (3401 University Avenue) and follow the route below before concluding at The Grove Community Church, 19900 Grove Community Drive:
• West on Lime Street
• South on Olivewood Avenue
• South on Riverside Drive
• East on Arlington Avenue
• South on Alessandro Boulevard
• West on Trautwein Road
• South on Grove Community Drive
Motorists are advised to expect temporary road closures, traffic delays, and rolling closures along the route between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM as the procession moves through the City. Residents and commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible and to allow additional travel time.
The City of Riverside and the Riverside Fire Department thank the community for their patience and understanding as we honor Chief Wilson’s life, service, and commitment to the Riverside community.
Battalion Chief Scott Wilson Memorial Fund
To honor Scott’s legacy, please consider making a donation to the Riverside City Firefighters Foundation. Your contribution will help continue the mission of supporting our firefighters and their families in times of need.