Reedley firefighters memorialize 2 line of duty deaths

PHOTO: Two firefighters who died in the line of duty since the inception of the Reedley Fire Department have been memorialized in plaques. Firefighters report the first fireman was Firefighter Perley E. Miller who died on Oct. 5, 1917. On that day crews were called to a house fire where Miller was in charge of turning off the electricity to the city lights— a duty he had performed for two years. After turning off the lights he joined the others in extinguishing the fire. Afterwards, he was instructed by Chief Gillingham to turn the lights back on. Soaking wet, crews report he climbed the 25-foot-high pole. A witness reported seeing a flash and Miller fell to the ground, suffering deadly injuries. The department says the second firefighter memorialized was Firefighter Elmer Madsen who died on Dec. 9, 1972, while responding to the fire station.
KGPE-TV CBS 47 Fresno

Fresno Fire believes fires at Armenian cemetery arson, not hate crime

VIDEO: Fresno Fire is investigating multiple suspected arson fires at the Ararat Armenian Cemetery near Roeding Park this past weekend. The fires resulted in the destruction of multiple cypress trees, those of which were a minimum of 60 years old. They also created fears of a possible hate crime days away from the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on April 24. However, Fresno Fire investigators have ruled that out, as they say, the trees burned over the weekend are just the latest of many they say have been ignited in the area. An area that includes multiple other cemeteries, like Holy Cross and Mountain View cemeteries. “There’s been absolutely zero information or crimes that have been committed that we could link to any sort of a hate crime. There’s been no tagging, no defacing of property, no vandalism,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Jay Tracy.
KGPE-TV CBS 47 Fresno

Cosumnes Fire Department opens 9th fire station in Elk Grove

The Cosumnes Fire Department opened its ninth fire station in Elk Grove to protect the quickly growing area, fire officials say. "The addition of Fire Station 77 will significantly enhance our emergency response capabilities," said Cosumnes CSD Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez. "By strategically placing resources in this rapidly developing area, we can effectively address the increased demand for emergency services and ensure the safety of our community." Kaiser Permanente, Cosumnes River College-Elk Grove Center, Sky River Casino, and several businesses and hundreds of new single-family homes are among the developments near the new fire station. "As the area continues to grow, we must be equipped to meet expanded community needs. This new station will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents," said Cosumnes Community Service District (CDS) Board President Jim Luttrell.
KXTV ABC 10 Sacramento

Los Angeles firefighter recruit killed in hit-and-run on 101 Freeway

VIDEO: The Los Angeles Fire Department is mourning the loss of a recruit firefighter who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on the northbound 101 Freeway in Studio City Monday morning. According to LAFD, Jacob Fuerte, 22, “may have been involved in a traffic collision” shortly after 5 a.m. near Vineland Avenue as Fuerte was on his way to training. “He got out of his vehicle, likely to assess the situation and render aid to anyone in need, when he was hit by another vehicle,” fire department spokesman Erik Scott said in a videotaped statement posted on X, formerly Twitter. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, including the fire department, Fuerte was pronounced dead at the scene. “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the immediate family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Scott.
KTLA-TV CW 5 Los Angeles

‘I didn’t know you could be a female firefighter!’ San Diego Fire-Rescue camp empowers girls

VIDEO: For years, San Diego Fire-Rescue has been empowering young women to choose a career in public service. The 8th annual Girls Empowerment Camp got underway Saturday morning at the training facility in Point Loma. Dozens of young women ranging in ages 14-18 participated in the camp, splintering off into their separate company engines. Participants got hands-on experience and training, similar to what firefighter cadets go through at the academy, including search and rescue exercises, hose control as well as how to use power tools. "It's about educating, inspiring, motivating the youth of our community and letting them know that they can be a firefighter if they put the work in," said Amber Taddeo with San Diego Fire-Rescue. Taddeo has been a firefighter for roughly two decades now.
KNSD-TV NBC 7 San Diego

Watch: Airborne car soars over pickups and crashes into Jurupa Valley garage

VIDEO: Video captured a dramatic crash earlier this month when a car went airborne in a Jurupa Valley neighborhood and soared into the garage of a home. The April 4 crash left the driver hospitalized with moderate injuries. The impact caused significant damage to the garage at the home in the Riverside County community. Video from a doorbell camera showed the car striking a curb and launching into the air and over two pickups parked in the home's driveway. The car slammed into the front of the garage and appeared to land on top of one pickup. The sedan ended up on its side, wedged between the two pickups. No other injuries were reported.
KNBC-TV NBC 4 Los Angeles