‘He was the best’: Thousands gather for slain firefighter’s services in Stockton
Tuesday’s honors began early for the late Stockton Fire Capt. Vidal “Max” Fortuna.
A Ripon fire engine extended its ladder just after 9 a.m. to fly an American flag over Highway 99, and French Camp fire vehicles sat with blinking lights on overpasses in the area.
A little later, mourners filled the stands, as well as chairs on the field, at Banner Island Ballpark in preparation for Vidal’s 11 a.m. funeral service.
Fortuna, who lived in Modesto, was shot and killed while battling a garbage bin fire in downtown Stockton last week.
Thousands of firefighters were on hand in Stockton, coming from as far away as Minnesota. A fire ambassador from France also attended. Engines from Redding to Los Angeles lined up outside the ballpark for the procession that would follow.
Services were open to only the Fortuna family and friends, Stockton Fire Department personnel and their families, active and retired members of fire service and law enforcement agencies from throughout the state, and invited guests.
The Fortuna family was presented with honors including a line-of-duty death medal and California Professional Firefighters Medallion. As Fortuna received his final alarm over the radio, Stockton firefighters wiped their eyes.
Loved ones remembered Fortuna as a devout Christian, faithful family man and respected firefighter. He played bass for Big Valley Grace Community Church, coached his children’s sports teams when they were younger and cared deeply about helping train future generations of firefighters who came through the department.
Pastor Joel Boone of Big Valley Grace Community Church opened with prayer, reading from Fortuna’s Bible multiple times throughout the service.
“With his faith in God, Max led by example,” Boone said.
Samantha Velasquez, Fortuna’s 27-year-old daughter, walked onstage with her husband, brother and brother’s fiancee standing beside her for support.
She has been correcting people who say her dad was a good person, because that’s not strong enough to talk about how great he really was. “He was the best father, the best husband, and the best man to play or work alongside.”
Since Fortuna’s death, Velasquez said she has still felt his presence around her, like when she was playing with her cousins at the park the other day. He was wonderful with children, so being surrounded by young family members felt like a special moment of remembering that part of him.
Kids loved Fortuna, too, Velasquez said. “He had a special way of being challenging and encouraging at the same time,” she said.
Firefighters who spoke remembered how his fearless attitude mixed with a softer side. He once helped a child’s Make-A-Wish dream come true and led him through a day of being a Stockton firefighter. He also cared for the mental health of those around him and was dedicated to training himself and others to be the best firefighters they could be.
Fire Capt. Ryan Hoskinson, who spent a decade on Engine 2 with Fortuna, became emotional as he spoke. Hoskinson said he didn’t prepare a speech because he didn’t know how to put Fortuna’s death onto paper, and he had to pause between thoughts to compose himself.
He said “Maxy” was as mischievous and fun as he was serious and driven. While he worked hard, Fortuna was also known for how much he loved to play tricks and joke around.
He was also committed to the station’s regular handball games and would always try to get work done early so he could play during lunch.
“He was smooth,” Hoskinson said. “He was never once afraid, not afraid at all, and when you followed Max, you weren’t afraid, either.”
This story was originally published February 8, 2022 at 3:58 PM.
