LODDS

CAL FIRE Apparatus Engineer Dies on Duty

Sept. 4, 2024

CAL FIRE Firefighter Christopher Ward, 47, suffered a medical emergency last week.

The body of a CAL FIRE apparatus engineer was escorted to a funeral home Tuesday.

Firefighter Christopher Ward, 47, suffered a medical emergency while on duty last week.

"Christopher's legacy of humor, intelligence, and selflessness will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him," a CAL FIRE spokesperson told KSBW.

"Chris was a man of considerable passion and determination, known for his sharp wit and loving nature."

Ward began his career with CAL FIRE in June 2020 as a seasonal firefighter with the San Benito-Monterey Unit and was promoted in August 2022 to serve as a fire apparatus engineer on the Pinnacles Fire Crew.

"His professional life was marked by a diverse career, initially in the automotive sector, then as the owner of CRS Computers, and later as a Fire Apparatus Engineer for CAL FIRE, a role that showcased his dedication and hardworking spirit."

A private service will be held Saturday.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.