County Calls for Flags to be Lowered Half-staff Honoring Fallen Porterville Firefighters

Board Chair Pete Vander Poel orders flags at all County buildings and facilities to be lowered to half-staff and remain lowered for one week to honor the fallen Porterville Firefighters who lost their lives in yesterday’s fire at the Porterville Library.  

One member of the Porterville Fire Department was killed in the line of duty battling the Porterville Library fire on February 18, 2020. Porterville Fire Captain Raymond Figueroa, 35 years old, who began his career with the City of Porterville in 2007. Additionally, Firefighter Patrick Jones, 25 years old, remains unaccounted for. Firefighter Jones began his career with the Porterville Fire Department in 2017.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these brave men and stand in solidarity with the City of Porterville,” said Board Chair Pete Vander Poel.

“Our hearts are with the families as we send our prayers and deepest condolences to members of the Porterville Fire Department and the City of Porterville. In honor of Fire Captain Figueroa and Firefighter Jones, I am ordering flags at all County buildings and facilities to be lowered to half-staff, and remain lowered for one week as we mourn the loss of our fallen comrades.”