Cal Fire San Diego is mourning the loss of one of their own: 28-year-old firefighter Yaroslav Katkov, who passed away on duty Monday morning.
Katkov suffered a medical emergency during a training hike Sunday morning with his engine crew, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham said in a statement.
He was airlifted by the Cal Fire/San Diego County Sheriff's Department helicopter and air ambulance to Temecula Valley Hospital in Riverside County in critical condition.
Despite medical staff efforts, he passed away on Monday morning.
Cal Fire San Diego Captain Issac Sanchez said the loss has been difficult for the Cal Fire community, especially because the firefighter was just starting his career.
"This is a very tight knit community, and that only gets tighter as you work your way down to the engine company level," said Sanchez.