Joe began his fire career in 1974 as a firefighter where he served for many years throughout the county. But perhaps he was best known for his tireless dedication as the department’s Public Information Officer.

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Joe was highly respected by local and national media. His ability to inform the public in both English and Spanish was credited on many occasions for helping facilitate orderly evacuations during some of Ventura County’s most dangerous wildfires. Joe spearheaded the department’s involvement in the Spark of Love Toy Drive, often delivering the final gifts himself on Christmas Eve.

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Joe was everything a firefighter should be: hardworking, honest, dedicated and reliable. Joe always remembered your name. But it was Joe’s sense of humor that always made you remember his. Joe’s jokes are still being told by many of his fellow firefighters. Joe retired from the Ventura County Fire Department in 2006 and passed away too soon on March 19, 2007.