California Park Ranger Dies of Heart Attack After Wildfire Patrol

An officer with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks suffered a fatal heart attack after a 14-hour shift of patrolling parks and remote areas in the evacuation zone where wildfire had just destroyed more than 20 homes and prompted mandatory evacuations of 100,000 residents.

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October 16, 2019

California Park Ranger Dies of Heart Attack After Wildfire Patrol — Captain Albert Torres with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks suffered a fatal heart attack after a 14-hour shift of patrolling parks and remote areas in the evacuation zone where wildfire had just destroyed more than 20 homes and prompted mandatory evacuations of 100,000 residents.
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Image courtesy of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

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According to CBS News, authorities say Captain Albert Torres died after patrolling areas affected by the Saddleridge Fire in the San Fernando Valley late last week. He had reported back to his command center where he collapsed after telling other rangers he did not feel well. Torres was then transported to a nearby hospital.

He reportedly died the next morning of a massive heart attack.

LA City Attorney Mike Feuer said on Twitter, "All of us send our love and support to the family and many friends of Capt. Albert Torres of the LA Park Rangers. He was incredibly dedicated to our parks and a wonderful partner to many on our staff."

Torres had served with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks for 40 years.

Topics:patrol Duty Deaths Natural Disasters Heart Attack California agencies the west Patrol

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