A Merced man who was a firefighter with the Santa Cruz Fire Department for about 18 years, and who was escorted by fire engines to his Merced home last month after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, has died.
Clayton Ogden, 47, died on Aug. 1 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department. His funeral and procession are planned for Friday in Merced.
Called a “true hero,” by his co-workers, he was given the Medal of Valor for using his body to shield a civilian who had tripped and was caught in the middle of the firefight between police officers and a suspect in 2014, according to the department.