February 1, 2022 - SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement regarding the death of Stockton Fire Captain Vidal “Max” Fortuna:

“Jennifer and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Captain Fortuna’s family, friends and colleagues as we mourn this tragic loss. His decades of service to the Stockton community will not be forgotten and serve as an enduring reminder of the gratitude we owe the brave men and women of our state’s fire services who always respond to the call, selflessly serving their communities in a moment of need.”

Captain Fortuna, 47, was fatally shot while responding to a fire in Stockton on Monday. He was a 21-year veteran of the Stockton Fire Department and is survived by his wife and two adult children.

In honor of Captain Fortuna, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
Source: Office of the Governor

Previous Information:

January 31, 2022 - Stockton Fire Chief Richard Edwards statement on the loss of Captain Max Fortuna on Monday morning.

“This morning at approximately 4:45 a.m. the Stockton Fire Department’s Emergency Communications Division received a 911 call for a dumpster fire in the area of Washington and Aurora Streets. Engine 2 arrived on the scene a short time later and found a dumpster fire impinging on a structure. As firefighters were extinguishing the fire, gunshots were heard, and the Fire Captain of Engine 2 had been struck. Firefighters quickly transitioned to providing EMS care and transported him to the hospital.

I’m devastated to report that Veteran Fire Captain Max Fortuna has succumbed to his injuries. Captain Fortuna served the City of Stockton for 21 years and leaves behind a wife and two grown children. I ask you to keep Captain Fortuna’s family and the Stockton Fire Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."


Source: Stockton Police Department