October 18, 2017

Garrett Paiz - Firefighter Fatality - Napa, California

Garrett Paiz
Firefighter/Driver Garrett Paiz, age 38, of Missouri, died in the line of duty on October 16, 2017, on a roadway in Napa County, California. 

Firefighter Paiz was a contract worker with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Noel Fire Department in Missouri. 

CAL FIRE has stewardship over 31 million acres of California's privately-owned wildlands. In addition, the Department provides varied emergency services in 36 of the State's 58 counties via contracts with local governments.

Before 7:00 a.m., Garrett was driving an empty water tanker to be refilled in connection with the Nuns fire burning in the hills above Oakville, California. For an unknown reason, the truck swerved off the roadway on a curve and crashed through the guardrail and then down a ravine. 

Tragically, Garrett died at the scene from his injuries. 

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for
Garrett and for those
who have lost him. 
The circumstances of the accident are under investigation. It is unknown if fatigue contributed to the accident. 

The members of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are in mourning over the death of Garrett. He died in the service of others. He will not be forgotten.  

Garrett's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Thank you for your service to California, Garrett.  

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Garrett is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

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