PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KGPE) – As the investigation gets underway, those closest people to the two firefighters who fell victim to Tuesday’s library fire in Porterville say they were both selfless people who would always put the safety of others ahead of their own.

Porterville firefighter Raymond Figueroa, 35, died in the fire and fellow Porterville firefighter Patrick Jones, 25, is still missing. Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the library fire.

Mistie Webb says she was heartbroken to hear her friend Figueroa passed away.

“You just wish you could have been there. Bring him out of the fire in his time of need. And you couldn’t do that. You couldn’t be there to save him.”

When Webb heard that the library was on fire she texted Figueroa. After an hour with no reply, she texted him again. Both texts were unanswered.

Officials say Figueroa was stuck inside the burning building after he went in to make sure everyone made it out safely. Rescuers tried to go back inside but couldn’t after the roof collapsed.

Webb described her friend as a happy and loving man, who constantly put other’s needs above his own. He is survived by his family, including two young children.

“He will always be loved and in our hearts. He died a hero,” said Webb.

Patrick Jones went missing while fighting the fire. Officials believe the 25-year-old might have gotten trapped inside.

Jones recently got engaged and was excited for his upcoming wedding. His fiancé would not go on camera but described him as the most genuine, kind-hearted and dedicated person.

Jones’s friend also sent a statement, describing him as a humble guy:

“He would drop anything he was doing to be there for somebody. He loved being a fireman. I think mostly because of how much that job required helping people.”

Governor Gavin Newsom also released a statement sending his condolences:

“On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our sincere condolences to the Porterville Fire Department and the Porterville community for the tragic loss of two of their finest firefighters, Captain Raymond Figueroa and Firefighter Patrick Jones. To their family, friends and colleagues, we stand with you during this difficult time, and honor Captain Figueroa and Firefighter Jones for their bravery, service and sacrifice.”

The fire remains under investigation.

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