Hal Bierlein, 51, was one of four people killed on December 19, 1997, in a shooting at a state transportation maintenance yard in Orange, California. The shooter, identified as Arturo Reyes Torres, was a former Caltrans employee who had been fired about a month earlier for stealing scrap aluminum. Torres returned armed with an assault rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun, and moved through the yard firing through windows and at coworkers. Wayne Bowers, Paul White, and Michael Kelley were also killed; more than 60 people were present and many scrambled for cover as the attack unfolded.

Police engaged Torres in a gun battle when they arrived; he tried to flee and was shot and killed by officers. Investigators concluded Torres acted alone and tied his actions to anger over his dismissal. The shooting prompted memorials and safety discussions within the Caltrans community. Does anyone have firsthand memories of that day at the Orange maintenance yard or information about the victims’ lives that could add to the record?