STOCKTON, Calif. — Vidal "Max" Fortuna was a husband, a father and a "brother" to his fellow firefighters at the Stockton Fire Department. This Tuesday his loved ones are saying their say their last goodbyes.
Fortuna's daughter, Samantha Velasquez, shared a heartfelt tribute to her father.
"Our dad was the best. People will say 'oh your dad was a great man' and 'oh your dad was a good guy.' I always correct them and say no, no, no he was the best," Velasquez said. "He was the best father, the best husband, and the best man to play or work alongside."
Stockton Fire Chief Rick Edwards said Max Fortuna was a genuine, warm-hearted human being.
"Max was a born leader, he was a man of integrity that took tremendous pride in his job," Edwards said.
Stockton Fire Captain Ryan Hoskinson said he didn't prepare a speech because he couldn't put it into words, but wanted to share more about Fortuna and his mischievous side.
"The second Max would get out of his truck in the morning, you didn't know what was going to happen," Hoskinson said. "He might throw something at you, he might drop some stuff on the ground — he did a lot of silly things, but every time he was around you felt good."
Lodi Fire Chief Ken Johnson also spoke at the service and said preparing for the eulogy has been the most difficult thing he has done in his career.
"Rest easy Captain Max Fortuna, we will take it from here," Johnson said. "To the Fortuna family, to Max's friends, the Stockton Fire Department. to all of you in the fire service — let us always remember Max, let us always honor Max, let's ride for Max," Johnson said.
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln spoke at the memorial service giving his support to the Fortuna family.
"Very few truly understand the sacrifices our firefighters and their families make in service to their communities," Lincoln said.
Memorial service attendees include friends and family of the Fortuna's, the Stockton Fire Department and their families, active and retired members of fire service, law enforcement agencies from throughout the State of California, and invited guests only.
Members of the community are encouraged to pay their respects by watching the service online and watching the memorial procession that will take place downtown immediately following the service.
The service will be live-streamed on the Stockton Fire Department Facebook page beginning at 11 a.m. The procession route and viewing locations will be available at the Stockton Fire Department's website.
“We appreciate and are humbled by the tremendous support. In lieu of flowers, Stockton Professional Firefighters Local 456 has provided an opportunity for making a donation at Fund the First, Fallen Fire Captain Max Fortuna, that will provide the greatest benefit to the Fortuna Family.”
The Stockton firefighters union has started a fundraiser where all funds will go to the Fortuna family. To contribute, click HERE.
