Jerry W. Guzman Obituary, Death – The Los Angeles County Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its veteran firefighter-paramedics who passed away while on duty Friday. Officials confirmed that the fallen crew member was Firefighter-Paramedic Jerry W. Guzman, a longtime member of the department.
Guzman was stationed at Fire Station 32 in Azusa, where he had been serving the community with dedication and professionalism. According to the department, he had built a career spanning more than two decades, giving 23 years of service to both the L.A. County Fire Department and the residents it protects. Over those years, Guzman earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues, as well as gratitude from the countless people he helped during emergencies.
In a statement shared on social media, the L.A. County Fire Department expressed its sorrow over his passing and offered heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. “We extend our deepest prayers & condolences to the Guzman family,” the post read, emphasizing the department’s commitment to supporting the family and honoring Guzman’s legacy. His death has left a noticeable void within the fire service, particularly among the team at Fire Station 32, where he spent his career responding to fires, medical emergencies, and rescue operations.
At this time, specific details about where and how Guzman died have not been made public. The department has not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the incident but confirmed that it occurred while he was on duty. An internal review is expected to take place, as is customary whenever a line-of-duty death occurs, to ensure that the facts are documented and any lessons learned are shared for future safety.
The passing of a firefighter-paramedic is especially impactful because of the dual role they play in emergency response. Guzman was not only trained to fight fires but also to deliver life-saving medical care in critical moments. Firefighter-paramedics are often the first to arrive at emergencies, handling everything from house fires to car crashes to medical calls, making them essential to public safety. Losing such an experienced and dedicated responder underscores the challenges and risks faced by those in this demanding profession.
The death of Guzman has resonated beyond the fire department, as the local community in Azusa and the greater Los Angeles County area reflect on the sacrifices made by first responders. Colleagues described him as a professional committed to service, while community members took to social media to express their gratitude for his years of dedication and to share messages of sympathy for his family.
As funeral arrangements and memorial plans are prepared, the L.A. County Fire Department has pledged to honor Guzman’s service and ensure his contributions are remembered. Line-of-duty deaths often bring together fire agencies across the region to pay tribute, highlighting the deep bonds shared among firefighters and the solidarity within the emergency response community.
For now, the department, Guzman’s colleagues, and his family are united in grief, remembering a firefighter-paramedic who spent 23 years answering the call to serve others.