"This incident is a sobering reminder of the real dangers our members face each and every day as we fight to keep our communities safe," the statement from the fire department read.
There are endless risks involved in being a first responder. Situations which call for you to sacrifice your own life to help others is just a part of the job, and a Los Angeles County firefighter did just that to save a family from a house that was engulfed in flames.
Jonathan Flagler, 47, was part of a team battling a structure fire in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He and the other firefighters– from Fire Station 83 that responded to the blaze around 2 a.m. in the 30700 block of Tarapaca Road— managed to get the family out to safety, but Flagler lost his life in the process, per CBS Los Angeles.
Flagler's death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Fire Department on social media. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our own, Brother Jonathan 'Jon' Flagler," a tweet from the Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014 Twitter account stated on Thursday.
"Known for his dedication and commitment to the profession, Brother Flagler, 47, was a 21-year veteran Firefighter. He was previously a member of the Vernon Fire Department for 19 years before transitioning to LACOFD in October 2020," the statement continued.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our own, Brother Jonathan “Jon” Flagler. Brother Flagler passed away early this morning after sustaining significant injuries while battling a residential structure fire in Rancho Palos Verdes. pic.twitter.com/8Vun2b33f3
— Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014 (@local1014) January 6, 2022
"This incident is a sobering reminder of the real dangers our members face each and every day as we fight to keep our communities safe," the statement concluded. "We will take it from here Brother. #WeShallNotForget."
Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor who serves the 4th District, also confirmed the death of Flagler.
"This morning – early – our L.A. County Fire Department responded to a house fire in Rancho Palos Verdes. The good news is, those brave firefighters responded and were able to save the family inside. They were able to get them out to safety, but tragically, one of our own Los Angeles County Firefighters lost his life in the effort," Hahn said in a press conference held Thursday morning, per PEOPLE.
Thinking about you all today.
— #LetsGoDucks (@QuackedOnPadres) January 6, 2022
It never gets any easier.
RIP FF Flagler. We will take it from here.
A procession was held from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to the County Coroners for the fallen firefighter by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. "We are so sorry for the way in which he died and the grief their whole family must be suffering. Our heart goes out to them," Idelle Clark, one of the homeowners rescued from the blaze, said.
"What we lost is material, we could live without it or replace it… and that's a very different loss than what they have," Clark continued. "We hope the best for them and will keep them in our hearts."
Flagler is survived by his wife, Jenny, and two sons, 15 and 13.
References:
https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2022/01/06/la-county-firefighter-dies-rancho-palos-verdes-blaze/
https://twitter.com/local1014/status/1479197471192477700
Cover Image Source: Twitter | Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014 (@local1014)
