July 21, 2022 - SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of Kern County Fire Captain Brian Falk:
“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Brian Falk, our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family, friends, coworkers and everyone who knew and loved him,” said Governor Newsom. “Captain Falk served the people of Kern County for two decades, making a positive impact on his community and fellow firefighters. He will be dearly missed.”
Captain Falk, 47, passed away on Thursday, July 14 while on duty in Kern County. He was a 20-year veteran of the Kern County Fire Department. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
In honor of Fire Captain Falk, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
Per Kern County Fire Department:
Our hearts break to announce the passing of Captain Brian Falk.
Captain Falk was a 20 year veteran of the KCFD and passes at the age of 47.
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with his family, friends, and colleagues.
Captain Brian Falk Obituary
On July 14, 2022 we lost Captain Brian Falk, a beloved member of the KCFD fire family. Below is his official obituary, written by his family.
“Brian Falk was born in Bakersfield on Dec. 28, 1974. He went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2022. He died while on active duty at Kern County Fire Department Station 23.
Brian loved sports and participated in athletics from the time he was in elementary school. He attended North High and excelled as a three-sport athlete, participating in football, wrestling and baseball. He received many awards for his outstanding achievements, including being named Outstanding Weightlifter at the Bakersfield College team competition. Brian was known to play with determination and heart. He was a fierce competitor in everything he did, but never forgot good sportsmanship and would often help players up after he knocked them down.
He continued his education at Bakersfield College and the University of Nevada Reno, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminology. Upon returning to Bakersfield, he became a Kern County Probation Officer before joining the Kern County Fire Department where he served over 20 years and attained the rank of Captain.
Brian enjoyed go kart racing, dirt bike riding, and water skiing with his family when he was young, and after moving back to Bakersfield he became involved, with his dad, in drag racing, motorcycle riding and fishing. He was very successful in racing and won several big events, enjoying many memorable times with his family. Brian had a contagious laugh, was very funny and fun to be around. He was highly respected and well-liked by his friends and loved by his family.
While Brian was an Engineer at Station 25, he met Jennifer Spratt, who was attending nursing school, and they fell in love and married in 2007. Brian became a Captain shortly thereafter and Jen graduated with a BSN. In 2009, their first son Randall James Falk arrived. Their second son Tyler Matthew Falk arrived two years later in 2011. Upon the birth of their sons, Brian found a space in his heart he didn’t know existed. Brian’s love and dedication to his wife and boys was immeasurable. They decided to start a new adventure in Atascadero, CA in 2014. There, they met amazing people that started as friends and became family. Brian, Jen, and the boys attended Mountainbrook Church where Brian was baptized. His son Randy followed in his guiding footsteps and decided to be baptized as well in June of this year.
He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Jennifer, their sons Randall James and Tyler Matthew, his parents Rick and Karen, brother Jason and sister Kelli. Brian was loved by his many extended family members including cousins, nieces, and nephews. Our hearts are broken by the loss of Brian, a true family man, but we are assured that we will see him again in heaven and thank God for the privilege of having him in our lives. We are better for having known and loved him.
Services will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 3:00 PM at Valley Bible Fellowship Church 2300 East Brundage Lane Bakersfield, CA. For those unable to attend in person, the following link can be used to view the livestream during the memorial: https://www.changeourcity.com/vbf-church-online-live-broadcast/ Following the service, family, friends, and KCFD personnel are encouraged to join the Falk family at Kern County Fire Department Union Hall, The Station 7900 Downing Avenue Suite D Bakersfield, CA.
In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me (Gofundme.com search Captain Brian Falk) has been set up for Brian and Jen’s sons by her sister Jacqueline Day.
We wish to thank the Kern County Fire Department for the honor they have bestowed upon Brian. We would also like to thank KCFD Chaplains, James Agee and Coleman Souers for their love and support they have given to the entire family.”
