CAPTAIN RAMON "RAY" FIGUEROA

END OF WATCH  FEBRUARY 18, 2020

PORTERVILLE FIRE STATION 71  CALIFORNIA

“My men, The mission, Then me.”

Ramon Figueroa was killed while battling the City of Porterville Library Fire with Firefighter Patrick Jones. The two were the first to arrive on scene and entered the building to conduct a primary search to ensure all civilians had exited. The men rushed into the burning building after it was reported someone was still inside. That person had actually escaped, but after a Mayday call, Jones and Figueroa were never heard from again.  Over 50 firefighters worked to control the blaze where Figueroa and Jones sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.  

Fire Captain Figueroa, 35, began his career with Lindsay City Fire Department and was hired with Porterville in 2007. He worked his way through the ranks of engineer and was promoted to fire captain in 2018. Brother Figueroa is remembered as a dedicated firefighter and mentor in the community, known for his saying, “my men, the mission, then me.”