On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) honored fallen firefighters at its annual Firefighters’ Memorial Service at Department headquarters.
Each year, the LACoFD honors fallen first responders with a formal service.
Every name on the wall is read out loud, followed by the ringing of the bell in remembrance of their memory and legacy.
Fire Captain Steven McCann was added to the Firefighters’ Memorial wall this year.
Captain McCann passed away on February 9, 2022.
Family and friends of the fallen heroes joined Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone and the Executive Team to pay their respects.
The memorial service was live-streamed on the Department’s YouTube channel for all of those who were unable to attend in person.
Every year since 1988, the widows in the Family Support Group attend the event to honor their spouses. They established the memorial wall project and the nonprofit Los Angeles County Firefighters’ Memorial Committee to allow them to pay tribute to the memory of the Department’s fallen firefighters.
Dustin Roberto, Firefighter/Paramedic
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Fire Fighter Paramedic (FFPM) Dustin Roberto, who
tragically lost his life while on active duty on Saturday, August 10, 2024. FFPM Roberto, who was just 34 years old, served our Department, the residents, and the communities with unwavering dedication for nearly five years.
Assigned to Fire Station 93 in Palmdale, FFPM Roberto was a vital member of Battalion 17. His commitment to service and his impact on those around him will never be forgotten.
We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to FFPM Roberto’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Line of Duty Death
It is with a heavy heart the LACoFD shares the Line of Duty Death of Fire Fighter Andrew Pontious on Friday, June 14, 2024.
Fire Fighter Pontious sustained fatal injuries while engaged in firefighting operations at a large vehicle fire in Palmdale.
Fire Fighter Pontious was assigned to Fire Station 93 in the City of Palmdale. He faithfully served the Department and Los Angeles County residents and communities for over 19 years.
We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and colleagues of Fire Fighter Pontious.
2024 Firefighter’s Memorial Ceremony
The County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) was joined by the Los Angeles County Firefighters’ Memorial Committee, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1014, and the Los Angeles County Association of Chiefs for the 2024 Firefighters’ Memorial Service.
Held annually at the LACoFD Memorial Wall, this memorial pays homage to the life and legacy of brave, fallen members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
As part of this years’ service, Fire Captain Arn Tretsven was formally memorialized and added to the Memorial Wall as a symbol of remembrance, respect, and gratitude for faithfully serving with bravery and distinction.
Each of the 103 names on the Memorial Wall were read followed by a bell ring to honor their memory.
“Today’s service is a reminder that for every fallen firefighter, there is a family that has also paid the price and they continue to mourn the loss of their loved one,” said Chief Marrone. “We hope as our Fire Department family you feel comfort and assurance in knowing that we are here to support you and will never forget your loved one, nor what they have done for us.
8th Annual Memorial Ride
The 8th annual Firefighter Memorial ride will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024. This event benefits the Los Angeles County Firefighter Widows and Orphan Fund.
The event includes:
Online Pre-registration:
$40 Rider ($20 passenger or lunch-only guest)
Day of Event: $45 Rider
($20 passenger or lunch-only guest)
For more information or to register, please visit www.FireHogsMC-LACOFD.org
Henry H. Flores, Captain
Fire Captain Flores was 55 years old and had served our department, residents, and communities for 23 years with dedication and commitment.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this loss. We offer our deepest condolences to Fire Captain Flores’ family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. The Department has activated its Chaplains, Peer Support team, behavioral health clinicians, and Memorial Management team to assist Fire Captain Flores’ family, colleagues, and friends.
Jonathan Van Oeffelen, FireFighter
On Sunday, March 24, 2024, County of Los Angeles Fire Fighter Jonathan Van Oeffelen passed away unexpectedly.
Fire Fighter Van Oeffelen faithfully served as a firefighter for nearly 20 years and was assigned to Fire Station 52 in the City of Vernon.
Today is a difficult day for our Fire Department family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this unexpected loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Fire Fighter Van Oeffelen.
The Department’s Chaplains, Peer Support team, behavioral health clinicians, and Memorial Management team to assist the Van Oeffelen family and our personnel during this extraordinarily difficult time.
14th Anniversary of the Station Fire
Today, August 30, 2023, marks the 14-year anniversary of the tragic deaths of LACoFD Fire Captain Tedmund “Ted” Hall and Fire Fighter Specialist (FFS) Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones during the Station Fire in 2009.
Captain Hall and FFS Quinones were assigned to protect Camp 16. These two brave individuals made the ultimate sacrifice when Camp 16 was overrun. Their actions saved the lives of over 60 individuals who were also at Camp 16 during the fire.
To honor their lives and legacy, LACoFD personnel will join in an “All Call” at 5:00 p.m.
This moment of silence allows us to reflect on the great loss that has had a lasting impact on the Department.
While the years have passed, their sacrifice continues to inspire us all to be our best and watch over one another.
2023 Firefighter’s Memorial Ceremony
On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) honored fallen firefighters at its annual Firefighters’ Memorial Service at Department headquarters.
Each year, the LACoFD honors fallen first responders with a formal service.
Every name on the wall is read out loud, followed by the ringing of the bell in remembrance of their memory and legacy.
Fire Captain Steven McCann was added to the Firefighters’ Memorial wall this year.
Captain McCann passed away on February 9, 2022.
Family and friends of the fallen heroes joined Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone and the Executive Team to pay their respects.
The memorial service was live-streamed on the Department’s YouTube channel for all of those who were unable to attend in person.
Every year since 1988, the widows in the Family Support Group attend the event to honor their spouses. They established the memorial wall project and the nonprofit Los Angeles County Firefighters’ Memorial Committee to allow them to pay tribute to the memory of the Department’s fallen firefighters.
Jeffrey Windle, Firefighter Specialist
It is with great sadness we announce the active-duty death of Jeffrey Windle, on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
Specialist Windle faithfully served the Fire Department for 22 years and was last assigned to Fire Station 56 in the City of Rolling Hills.
We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and colleagues of Fire Fighter Specialist Windle.
Arn Tretsven, Captain
It is with great sadness that the County of Los Angeles Fire Department has announced the sudden passing of Captain Arn Tretsven on November 15, 2022.
For 15 years, Captain Tretsven served in the Los Angeles County Fire Department, with his last assignment being at Fire Station 152 in Covina. Before becoming a county firefighter, he spent 18 years with the U.S. Forest Service and as a lifeguard.
In this time of mourning, we offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, sons, and all those who held him dear.