Long Beach Fire Department Capt. Ryan Thorton died suddenly Wednesday when he suffered a medical emergency in Riverside, Long Beach Fire Chief Michael DuRee said.
“It’s a huge loss,” DuRee said. “The men and women of the Long Beach Fire Department are grieving. Our focus is on his family and his kids. My heart goes out to them.”
Riverside firefighters did everything possible to help Thornton, he said.
“Our thanks are definitely to them for taking care of one of our own.” DuRee said.
An 18-year veteran of the department, Thornton was promoted from firefighter to fire engineer in 2007 and to fire captain in 2010.
Most recently, Thornton was assigned to Fire Station 19 on a special detail to Fire Station 24, where he oversaw hazardous material operations throughout Long Beach.
Thornton’s death was announced late Thursday in a Facebook post and tweet by the Long Beach Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 372.
“He was always happy, always friendly,” DuRee said.
Thornton was an active member of Antioch Church. He also volunteered as a youth mentor, DuRee said.
Thornton, 46, is survived by his mother and father, three brothers and two children. A memorial service is scheduled for Oct. 14th. Additional details are pending.