Valley firefighters help carry burden for grieving Porterville crew. Service set for captain

The Merced Fire Department joined several other departments across the Central Valley to keep the Porterville Fire Department staffed as they grieve the loss of two of their own.

Merced firefighters took up duties in Porterville on Monday and Tuesday, as Porterville firefighters continue to take time off to grieve.

Crews in Sanger, Clovis and Bakersfield have also taken posts in Porterville, responding to calls and keeping the community safe.

Fire Capt. Ramon “Ray” Figueroa and firefighter Patrick Jones were killed last Tuesday, after a fire destroyed the city library and burned into the night. The two died while making sure no one was inside the 67-year-old building.

In custody are two 13-year-olds who allegedly started the fire intentionally.

Figueroa, 35, was a 13-year veteran and father of two. Jones, 25, had been a full-time firefighter for about three years, and leaves behind a fiance.

A memorial service honoring both Figueroa and Jones is set for 11 a.m. Friday at the Porterville Church of the Nazarene. Uniformed personnel are welcome to attend.

A visitation and rosary was held for Figueroa on Monday and a Mass was held Tuesday at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal in Delano. Following Mass, Figueroa was buried at the North Kern Cemetery District.

Services for Jones have not been announced.

This story was originally published February 24, 2020 at 8:12 PM.