Fallen Stockton Firefighter Honored at California Memorial

SACRAMENTO– A whole bunch of firefighters from throughout California gathered in Sacramento to honor 82 fallen firefighters whose names had been engraved on the California Firefighters Memorial. 

Stockton’s Max Fortuna is among the many 82 fallen firefighters who died within the final three years. 

Fireplace Captain Vidal “Max” Fortuna, a 21-year veteran of the Stockton Fireplace Division, was shot and killed whereas responding to a name in January. 

“Max paid the final word sacrifice, not understanding he can be a sufferer of violent crime. After we go on calls, that is the very last thing we consider,” stated Mario Gardea, President of the Stockton Firefighters. 

Gardea labored on the identical engine as Fortuna throughout his profession and stated, whereas in lots of instances the phrase “legacy” is overused, in relation to Fortuna, he outlined what it meant to depart a legacy. 

“There’s no one higher than Max; the Stockton Fireplace Division was so nice due to Max; all of us realized to do issues Max’s means,” stated Ryan Hoskinson. 

Max Fortuna was honored by his household and his fireplace household from the #Stockton Fireplace Division. @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/GCUBuLpSlM

— Madisen Keavy (@madisenkeavy) July 31, 2022

Fortuna’s son accepted a state flag on his household’s behalf and stood as his father’s title was learn throughout a ceremony earlier than a processional to the memorial in Capitol Park. 

After his title was learn, a bell rang out.

The California Firefighters Basis is chargeable for the California Firefighters Memorial in Capitol Park in Sacramento. 

The muse is a non-profit group that gives emotional and monetary help to the households of fallen firefighters and the communities they served. 

The memorial is roofed in additional than 1,400 names of firefighters who’ve died within the line of obligation since California grew to become a state in 1850. 

To qualify for placement on the wall is set by the circumstance of the demise, that it occurred on obligation or on account of an sickness or harm immediately associated to the job. 

This yr is the twentieth Anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial.