Fire Captain Vance Tomaselli Passes Away

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Vance Tomaselli. Captain Tomaselli passed away late in the evening of February 21. On February 16, 2008, Station 15 (Angelus Oaks) responded to a commercial structure fire at Camp Edwards on Jenks Lake Road in the San

Bernardino Mountains. Captain Tomaselli responded as the driver of Brush Engine 15.  En route to the structure fire, Captain Tomaselli suffered a stroke.  He was able to maintain control of the engine, bringing it to a stop after grazing two trees.

Sheriff’s Air Rescue 6 airlifted Captain Tomaselli to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he was met by the stroke team.  Captain Tomaselli underwent surgery but succumbed to the stroke late Thursday evening, February 21, 2008.

Captain Tomaselli, age 60, was a 28-year veteran with the fire service. He was a Paid-Call Fire Captain assigned to Station 15 in Angelus Oaks and is survived by his son Jim Tomaselli and daughter Caryn Todd.

“Vance has always been dedicated to serving his community and the travelers who encountered him on their way through the mountain communities. Vance dedicated his life to serving others. He will be sorely missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him,” stated Fire Chief Pat Dennen.

In honor of Captain Tomaselli, all flags flying at County facilities will remain at half-staff through the day of the funeral, which has not yet been announced.  The San Bernardino County Fire Department would ask for everyone to continue to hold the Tomaselli family in your thoughts and prayers through this very difficult time.