SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) – San Francisco firefighter-paramedic Jason Cortez was killed during a training exercise at a facility Wednesday morning.
The 42-year-old was a beloved 13-year veteran with SFFD. Cortez left behind his wife and two children.
Department spokesman Jonathan Baxter spoke out about Cortez during a press conference Wednesday morning.
Cortez was immediately rushed to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, and was reported dead an hour later, Baxter confirmed.
“Jason is not only a firefighter paramedic. He’s a friend to all. He’s an advocate for public safety. He’s a father of two children, a husband to an amazing wife. And a child to a retired San Francisco firefighter,” Baxter said.
Baxter called the incident “training accident,” but did not give any other information, citing an ongoing investigation.
Firefighters will gather later Wednesday afternoon at 1 Newhall St from the hospital to honor Cortez.
We are awaiting a procession that is set to begin outside SF General, as well as a press conference with more details in the coming hours.
City officials and agencies posted their condolences on social media:
“Terrible tragedy to lose firefighter Jason Cortez. Our firefighters heroically keep our community safe & are working regionally to protect communities from wildfires. My sincerest condolences to his family & to the entire San Francisco Fire Department.“