This undated picture launched by the Stockton Police Division exhibits Stockton Fireplace Captain Vidal "Max" Fortuna. (Stockton Police Division through AP)
STOCKTON, CALIF. --
A veteran central California firefighter was fatally shot Monday when he and others responded to a report of a dumpster fireplace and authorities arrested a suspect, officers mentioned.
Fireplace Capt. Vidal "Max" Fortuna was shot earlier than daybreak within the metropolis of Stockton and died at a hospital, Stockton Fireplace Chief Rick Edwards instructed reporters.
Edwards mentioned the demise is his "worst nightmare" as a hearth chief.
"My message to my firefighters is to be robust. My coronary heart breaks with you however we are going to get via this," he mentioned.
A 67-year-old man was detained on the scene and officers recovered a firearm, mentioned interim Police Chief Jim Chraska. Murder detectives are attempting to find out what led as much as the capturing, he mentioned.
"This highlights the risks public security faces day-after-day, and once more, our ideas and prayers exit to the Fortuna household," Chraska mentioned.
Fortuna, 47, had been a firefighter for greater than twenty years and is survived by his spouse and two grownup youngsters, Edwards mentioned.
Dozens of police and fireplace division automobiles accompanied Fortuna's physique from the hospital to a funeral residence.
The flag at Stockton Metropolis Corridor was lowered to half-staff in honour of Fortuna.
Though Stockton firefighters have died doing their job, officers mentioned it was seemingly the primary time one was shot whereas on responsibility.
"That is one thing that I've by no means heard of right here within the metropolis of Stockton, firefighter being shot and killed," police Officer Joe Silva instructed the Stockton Document.
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