Family of SCE Lineman Killed on Duty is Uplifted by Kindness, Donations; Raul Ros Memorial Fund Remains Open Until June

In tribute to Raul Ros, SCE workers in Menifee and Wildomar are wearing helmets with a special sticker on them.  (Photo courtesy of SCE Facebook page)

The family of a Southern California Edison lineman killed in an industrial accident in Menifee last month is overwhelmed by and tremendously grateful for the support it has received from church and community members and SCE personnel, a family member said.

Robert Torres is the brother-in-law of Raul Ros, an 11-year SCE employee and resident of Winchester who died April 25 in an underground explosion. Torres said Wednesday that the acts of kindness shown by others have sustained Ros' widow, Irene, in the two weeks since his death.

"It's what keeps her going," Torres said about his sister, who has 8- and 7-year-old daughters. "A lot of people have come by and brought food and paid their respects. The church (St. Martha's Catholic Church of Murrieta) has been wonderful. The SCE employees are amazing; they have made donations, shown their support, even cleaned up their back yard. A neighbor cut their lawn. The outpouring of love has been so special to us."

Irene Ros declined an interview request for this story but expressed her gratitude for all who have shown their love and concern. Torres said family members were truly touched by the huge turnout for Raul's May 2 funeral, when nearly 2,000 people packed St. Martha's. In a tribute to their colleague, SCE employees from throughout the Southland wore their brown uniform shirts and parked SCE trucks in a long line leading up to the church building.

"It's like a big brotherhood," Torres said.

Ros, 38, died at the scene after an explosion tore through the underground vault where he was making repairs along Murrieta Road in Menifee. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

"I think the message we should get out is about what these SCE linemen do facing such danger," Torres said. "We take for granted the lights will come on when we turn on the switch, but that's because the linemen put their lives on the line every day. They're dealing with 12,000 volts or more on a routine basis, just to keep the power on.

"I can't say enough about how much Raul loved his job and took pride in it. Besides that, he was a great husband and father. And he was a brother to me, because I never had one of my own. I couldn't have asked for a better brother-in-law."

Torres said the family greatly appreciates the donations being made to the Jose "Raul" Ros Memorial Fund, set up by SCE, which opened the account with a $25,000 donation. SCE also is matching any donations made by SCE employees. The fund will remain open until June 28, at which time the matching funds will be added and the entire donation given to the family.

"My sister didn't work," Torres said. "Every little bit donated helps -- at least until Irene figures out what she wants to do from this point on."

Donations should be sent to:

Jose "Raul" Ros Memorial Fund
c/o Edison International Community Investment
2244 Walnut Grove Ave.
Rosemead, Calif., 91770

For memorial fund questions, call 866-524-8533.

The tributes to Ros continue to pour in. Jason Vallett, a co-worker of Ros, left this comment on the SCE Facebook page:

I miss you, brother. You'll forever be a part of my heart. This wasn't part of our tailboard, bro, but GOD needed someone that day and he only takes the best.

I know you're watching over us now. We'll pick up the pieces and "get er done" because we're JOURNEYMEN LINEMEN and we always do! Until we meet again...

Torres said that he would sometimes call the Ros house and invite Raul and Irene to an event, only to learn that Raul had spent the night on the job, making repairs.

"Irene would say, 'They called him in last night. He didn't get much sleep.' "

"Raul went out in the middle of the night to put the lights back on. That's just what they do."