A long-serving California firefighter was fatally shot while on duty early Monday, authorities said.
Vidal “Max” Fortuna, a captain with the Stockton Fire Department, was shot while extinguishing a dumpster fire outside a building at about 4:45 a.m., Chief Richard Edwards said in a statement.
Other firefighters on scene provided aid to Fortuna and took him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the fire chief.
Fortuna, a married father of two grown children, was a member of the department for 21 years.
The suspected shooter, Robert Somerville, 67, was arrested soon after police arrived at about 5 a.m., CBS 13 reported.
Somerville was jailed and is facing homicide and weapons charges. A motive is not yet known and a message seeking comment from Stockton police early Tuesday was not immediately returned.
Colleagues, fire union brass and city officials remembered Fortuna as a tireless worker who was dedicated to saving others.
“Max was the type of firefighter that showed up every day and never complained about his job,” Stockton Firefighters 456 Union president Mario Gardea told KXTV. “I don’t know many other firefighters who enjoy their job as much as he did.”
Fortuna also volunteered at a church in Modesto. Big Valley Grace Community Church shared a photo of the late firefighter playing bass on its Facebook page.
“Max was a gentle and humble man who loved God and exhibited many characteristics of Christ,” the post reads. “He served faithfully for many years and always brought his joyful attitude and strong work ethic to our ministry. He will be dearly missed.”
A flag at Stockton City Hall was at half-staff in honor of Fortuna, the city’s mayor said Monday.
“Please join me in praying for the family of Captain Max Fortuna and our Stockton firefighter community, as we grieve this loss,” Mayor Kevin Lincoln tweeted. “This is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices our public safety personnel make daily to protect and serve our community.”
An online fundraiser set up by Stockton’s firefighters union for Fortuna’s family, meanwhile, had surpassed $34,000 as of early Tuesday.
“It is a devastating loss for his wife, two children, family and our fire department,” the page reads, adding that details on Fortuna’s service were being finalized. “We love you, Max.”
