Los Angeles County Firefighters Emerald Society

04/05/2026

Remembering Captain Rick McClung.

04/04/2026

04/03/2026

April 3, 2012 - LODD
Captain David Bailey, 50
Los Angeles County Fire Department, Camp 14 in Santa Clarita. CA
At approximately 0900hrs, four inmate crews began their hike above Fire Camp 14 in Santa Clarita. Captain Bailey and three other fire crew supervisors started the hike, with Captain Bailey taking the rear position to account for all of the inmates. Upon returning to Fire Camp 14, it was determined that the Captain Bailey had not returned and a search operation was immediately initiated. Captain Bailey was found on the hiking trail in cardiac arrest at approximately 1055hrs. Rescue efforts were initiated and additional resources were requested through dispatch. Captain Bailey was flown to the hospital by fire department helicopter. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at 1220hrs. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack.

03/29/2026

March 30, 1993 - LODD
Firefighter/Paramedic Jeffrey Langley, 28
Los Angeles County Fire Department. CA
Langley died when he fell from the skid of his helicopter after he helped rescue an injured hiker in a remote part of Topanga State Park. Langley was helping retrieve equipment that had been left at the steep rescue site when the accident occurred.

02/11/2026

February 10, 2005 - LODD
Firefighter Craig H. Foster
Los Angeles County Fire Department. CA
Firefighter Foster died in the line of duty.

02/09/2026

February 9, 2022 - LODD
Captain Steven McCann, 48 - Station 166
Los Angeles County Fire Department. El Monte, CA
Captain McCann suffered a heart attack around 9:30 p.m. and was taken to Arcadia Methodist Hospital, where he died.

02/06/2026

February 5, 2017 - LODD
Captain II Todd Moorman, 50
Los Angeles City Fire Department. Los Angeles, CA
On February 5, 2017, Captain II David Todd Moorman worked a 36 hour shift during which he fell ill. Captain Moorman's last call was a vehicle fire at 0530hrs. After this incident, his duty shift ended and he went home. Within an hour of Captain Moorman arriving home, he suffered a medical emergency and collapsed. A family member witnessed the collapse and immediately began to render first aid, including CPR, until responding units from the Ventura County Fire Department arrived on scene and initiated medical care. Captain Moorman was transported to Los Robles hospital in Thousand Oaks, California, where, despite all of the valiant efforts to save him, Captain Moorman was pronounced deceased a short time later.

01/28/2026

January 28, 1981 - LODD
Apparatus Operator Thomas G. Taylor, 34 - Truck 60
Los Angeles Fire Department. Los Angeles, CA.
On January 28, 1981, at 3:33 a.m, a full alarm assignment was dispatched to Cugees Restaurant, 5300 Lankershim Boulevard, in the North Hollywood area. Firefighters found heavy smoke with some fire showing in the interior of the restaurant. Because a back draft explosion was a distinct possibility and because the smoke had to be cleared in order to begin a meaningful fire attack, ventilation procedures were begun on the roof. Four members of Truck 60 were cutting a hole near the center of the roof when, without warning, it began to sink beneath their feet. As the roof sank, it fell at a steep angle, slowly and agonizingly pulling Apparatus Operator Thomas G. Taylor to his death.

01/07/2026

Andrew L. Pontious, 52, served with the Los Angeles County Fire Department for more than 19 years and was assigned to Fire Station 93 in Palmdale, California. On June 14, 2024, he died after being injured while responding to a burning front-loader at a quarry in Littlerock, California. Throughout his career, Pontious worked in and supported communities including El Monte, Rosemead, and the Kagel Canyon area, contributing to public safety through steady service and operational experience.

Pontious was recognized by colleagues for his professionalism, leadership, and willingness to mentor fellow firefighters. Outside of duty, he remained closely connected to his family and enjoyed interests such as wildlife study and outdoor activities. He is survived by his wife, stepdaughter, parents, brother, extended family, friends, and fire department colleagues. His career reflects long-term service and the professional relationships he built within the department.

(Photo: Andrew L. Pontious)