On Friday, August 15, 2025, Firefighter Paramedic (FFPM) Jerry W. Guzman passed away unexpectedly at the age of 58. Having served the Department for over 23 years, FFPM Guzman was a valued team member who dedicated his life to protecting and serving the residents and communities of Los Angeles County. His last assignment was Fire Station 32 in the City of Azusa in the San Gabriel Valley.
We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and colleagues of FFPM Guzman.
David C. Gonzalez passed away on April 14, 2025, after battling sarcoma that metastasized to his lungs. He was born on March 15, 1964, in Los Angeles. He started out as an LA County firefighter, moving through the ranks as an engineer and retiring as a captain after 35 years of service.
He mentored young people through the Fire Explorer Program and trained fellow firefighters in the Engineer Program.
Beyond training and service, he was a proud member of the fire department’s softball team, The Blaze, and competed in the Firemen’s Olympics in Ventura in 2004. He represented the department in a charity boxing event between the LA County Sheriffs and the U.S. Marine Corps, which reflected both his competitive spirit and his generosity. He also found joy in monthly golf tournaments with the coworkers he loved so much.
He coached his daughters’ softball travel teams, pouring the same patience, discipline, and encouragement into his daughters and other girls he coached that he gave to every firefighter he trained. He took immense pride in watching his girls compete at the collegiate level—not just for their athletic success, but for the strong, determined women they had become.
He was an avid sports fan who loved football and never missed a Broncos game. Some of his favorite moments were spent with his family at the river, waterskiing, snow skiing, ocean fishing, and camping with friends and family. Those moments reflected who he truly was—present, joyful, and grateful for time together.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Tammy Gonzalez; his six children, Aaron, Kristiana, Jared, Dominic, Briana, and Rylee; and his two grandkids, Rowan and Ryker. He also shared a special bond with his two dogs.
He showed his love through traditions created to bring his family together, to create stability, and to build lasting memories. Traditions that mattered to him are now carried on through his children, keeping his spirit alive in the moments that feel familiar and comforting. In that way, his influence continues, not just in memory but in daily life.
He was a God-fearing man whose faith guided the way he lived, loved, and served. It shaped his values, grounded his character, and gave him strength in both the quiet moments and the hardest days. His faith was not something he spoke loudly about but something he lived through humility, integrity, and compassion for others.
In his final days, the love he gave so freely was returned to him in full. His room was never empty, and most importantly, he was held by love, family, and the legacy built through a life lived for others.
It is with great sadness to inform you that on Sunday, December 8, 2024, active-duty Los Angeles County Fire Captain Michael H. Mercado, Fire Station 90-C, Battalion 10 passed away.
Fire Captain Mercado was 51 years of age and faithfully served our Department, residents, and communities for over 25 years.
We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Captain Mercado’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Firefighter James O. Taylor who tragically lost his life while on active duty on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Firefighter Taylor was assigned to Fire Station 38 in Los Angeles. He faithfully served our Department, residents, and communities for 36 years.
We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and colleagues of Firefighter Taylor.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Firefighter 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.
It is with a heavy heart the LACoFD shares the Line of Duty Death of Firefighter Andrew Pontious on Friday, June 14, 2024. Firefighter Pontious sustained fatal injuries while engaged in firefighting operations at a large vehicle fire in Palmdale.
Firefighter 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 Firefighter Pontious.
It is with great sadness to inform you that on Monday, April 8, 2024, active-duty Los Angeles County Fire Captain Henry H. Flores of Engine 169-A, Battalion 10 passed away.
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.
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 have been made available to assist the Van Oeffelen family and our personnel during this extraordinarily difficult time.
On January 4, 2024,
Firefighter Ulysses Duran passed away at the age of 56. Firefighter Duran retired from the Los Angeles County Fire Department after 23 years of dedicated service and was a veteran of the United States Army.
On November 3, 2023, Firefighter/Paramedic Joseph “Joey” Gandara passed away from complications of cancer. Firefighter Gandara spent 35 years with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, working at Fire Station 3 in East Los Angeles. Joey loved being a paramedic. He never complained about calls, busy days, or being up all night. He worked on one of the busiest squads in the county and did it with a smile.