SAN DIEGO — Cal Fire San Diego is mourning the loss of one of their own: 28-year-old firefighter Yaroslav Katkov, who passed away on duty Monday morning.
As reported by NBC San Diego, Katkov suffered a medical emergency during a training hike Sunday morning with his engine crew, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham said in a statement.
He was airlifted by the Cal Fire/San Diego County Sheriff’s Department helicopter and air ambulance to Temecula Valley Hospital in Riverside County in critical condition.
Despite medical staff efforts, he passed away on Monday morning.
Cal Fire San Diego Captain Issac Sanchez said the loss has been difficult for the Cal Fire community, especially because the firefighter was just starting his career.
“This is a very tight knit community, and that only gets tighter as you work your way down to the engine company level,” said Sanchez.
The firefighter first started with Cal Fire August 2018 as a seasonal firefighter, He was assigned to the Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Station 16 in the community of De Luz.
Katkov is survived by his mother, father and brother.
“On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our sincere condolences to CAL FIRE Firefighter Yaroslav Katkov’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” California Gov. Newsom said in a statement. “It’s the work of brave firefighters like Yaroslav that keep our communities safe, and we are deeply grateful for his service.”
Mecham directed all flags at Cal Fire facilities to half-staff. All uniform personnel have been directed to shroud their badges until further notice. California Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff as well.
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