San Jose Fire Fighters

03/08/2026

Rest in paradise Captain Francis 🫡🇺🇸

Captain Francis joined the San José Fire Department in 1968, promoted to the rank of Fire Engineer in 1970, and served as Fire Captain from 1974 until his retirement in 1999. Captain Francis was beloved in the San José Fire Department where he is remembered for the extra care and time he spared to check in with members of the community at every incident.
Captain Francis lived in the community he served and he valued his coworkers as family. His crewmembers and their families remember annual abalone diving trips at Van Damme State Park and the community will recall his tumbleweed snowmen in front of Fire Station 18.

03/05/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Retired San José Fire Captain Joseph “Joe” Roberts, who passed away on February 25, 2026.

Captain Roberts dedicated over 32 years of service to the San José Fire Department and left a lasting impact on generations of firefighters across California. Known by many as an instructor, mentor, and leader, Joe helped shape the future of rescue training and emergency medical care in the fire service.

Joe began teaching CPR and First Aid for firefighters in 1974, later introducing rescue practices to the San José Fire Department in 1979 and launching EMT training for the department in 1984. His commitment to innovation continued when he helped establish Urban Search and Rescue techniques and programs in San José in 1992, including the creation of the USAR apparatus assigned to USAR 5.

Beyond his operational contributions, Joe helped preserve the traditions and pride of the fire service. He was a founding member of the San José Fire Department Honor Guard and played the bagpipes across the US as part of the California Professional Firefighters Pipes & Drums, honoring fallen firefighters and commemorating important moments in our profession.

Before joining the fire service, Joe served our country in the U.S. Army 91st Division and later as an Army Honor Guard.

With badge number 5, Joe represented one of the earliest generations of San José firefighters and helped build the traditions and professionalism that continue today.

Captain Roberts’ dedication to service, training, and the fire service brotherhood will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Captain.
We have the watch from here.

NeverForgotten RestEasyCaptain

03/01/2026

02/28/2026

Last day to sign up!

LAST CHANCE: CPF has partnered with Kaiser Permanente on the California Firefighter Health Study to identify cancer risk factors in our ranks. Active & retired firefighters who are Kaiser members are encouraged to take part.

**ENROLL NOW AT CPF.org/KaiserStudy **

02/24/2026

LAST CHANCE: CPF has partnered with Kaiser Permanente on the California Firefighter Health Study to identify cancer risk factors in our ranks. Active and retired firefighters who are Kaiser members are encouraged to take part.

**ENROLL BY FEBRUARY 28** at CPF.org/KaiserStudy.

02/20/2026

Rest Easy FE Anger 🫡

In Memoriam:

The crew of Engine 8 had just administered first aid to a man trapped in an automobile at about 2:30 am. Engine 8 was returning to the firehouse at 17th and Santa Clara with Fire Engineer William Anger at the wheel. As they crossed the intersection at 13th Street and Julian Street (five blocks from the station) a car, estimated by police as traveling at about 70 miles per hour, ran a blinking red light and smashed into the side of Engine 8.

The tremendous impact caused the 30,000-lbs. engine to spin around and slam into a light pole. Fire Engineer William Anger was thrown from the engine and killed instantly. The other three members of the crew sustained moderate to serious injuries, two firefighters were pinned against the light pole, and the tailboard of Engine 8 and the captain suffered injuries inside the cab. Although injured, physically and emotionally distraught the firefighters from Engine 8 valiantly extricated themselves and performed medical treatment on Fire Engineer William Anger and the occupants of the other vehicle.

02/17/2026

An apartment fire displaced eight people on Monday afternoon in San Jose, according to the fire department.
http://nbcbay.com/qbbJSj7

02/10/2026

Rest in paradise 🫡

In Memorium:

Felix Medrano’s career began with service to his country as a paramedic for the United States Air Force. After honorably discharged, Felix began working for the San José Fire Department, where he served for more than 28 years. Leading by example both on calls and in the firehouse, Felix was the type of firefighter that was a role model for others. During his service, Felix earned a commendation for his dedication to the USAR program as well as the John A. McMillan Family Integrity and Trust Award. Outside of work, Felix enjoyed martial arts, sports, music and literature. In 2010 Felix succumbed to the effects of job-related cancer.

02/07/2026

We’re looking forward to hosting our annual Retirement Party Crab Feed 🦀🎉
This night is all about celebrating the careers, friendships, and service of our retirees—and it wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers.

Huge thank you to everyone who steps up to help us send off our retirees the right way: with great food, good laughs, and a well-deserved celebration. Grateful for the hands and hearts that make this night special. ❤️👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

02/05/2026

Huge thank you to the NFL Referees Association for their incredibly generous contribution to the 🙏

We’re especially proud that one of our own — a former San Jose firefighter turned NFL referee, Scott Campbell, helped lead the charge on this massive donation. It’s a powerful reminder that once a firefighter, always a firefighter, and that service doesn’t stop when the uniform changes.

This support will have a lasting impact on burn survivors and their families, and we’re grateful to stand alongside partners who step up in such a big way — especially during Super Bowl week here in the Bay Area.

Thank you for having our backs. 🏈🔥

SJBurnFoundation FireFamily OnceAFirefighterAlwaysAFirefighter