In Stockton, a firefighter was shot and killed Monday while working a fire call. Firefighters were responding to a dumpster fire when gunshots were heard and Stockton Fire Department Fire Captain Max Fortuna was struck.
A 67-year-old man was detained at the scene and a firearm was located. Stockton police does not believe there are any other suspects.
Today, January 31, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. a press conference was held to share information about the loss of Captain Max Fortuna. Stockton Fire Chief Richard Edwards shared the following statement:
“This morning at approximately 4:45 a.m. the Stockton Fire Department’s Emergency Communications Division received a 911 call for a dumpster fire in the area of Washington and Aurora Streets. Engine 2 arrived on the scene a short time later and found a dumpster fire impinging on a structure. As firefighters were extinguishing the fire, gunshots were heard, and the Fire Captain of Engine 2 had been struck. Firefighters quickly transitioned to providing EMS care and transported him to the hospital.
I’m devastated to report that Veteran Fire Captain Max Fortuna has succumbed to his injuries. Captain Fortuna served the City of Stockton for 21 years and leaves behind a wife and two grown children. I ask you to keep Captain Fortuna’s family and the Stockton Fire Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Note: SPD News: Escort for Stockton Fire Captain Vidal “Max” Fortuna
- East on Mathews Road to Interstate 5
- North on Interstate 5 to the Crosstown Freeway
- East on Crosstown Freeway to El Dorado Street
- North on El Dorado Street to Harding Way
- East on Harding Way to Cemetery Lane
- North on Cemetery Lane to Casa Bonita Funeral Home.
Information released by Stockton Police
