Kevin Skinner, a veteran Orange County Fire Authority engineer, suffered cardiac arrest and died after searching for residents in a kitchen fire in Laguna Niguel on Jan. 5.
Skinner fell ill around 5 a.m. and fellow firefighters performed life-saving measures before he was transported to Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. Unfortunately, he passed away while in the hospital that morning.
Skinner and his crew members had responded to an active kitchen fire in a two-story home on the 2900 block of Pointe Royale in Laguna Niguel. While searching the home for any residents, Skinner alerted his captain that he wasn’t feeling well. He was then escorted outside to the paramedics when he suddenly collapsed.
At a recent news conference, further information on the circumstances behind Skinner’s death and the domestic fire is anticipated to be disclosed. The cause of the fire is still being looked into.
He was a 25-year veteran at OCFA and worked as both a firefighter and apparatus engineer. He was responsible as a driver for the fire engine and secured the water supply for putting out fires. Prior to his role with OCFA, Skinner spent four years in the US Navy. He is survived by his wife Luca, his three children, Sierra, Kate and Zac, and his mother, brother and sister.
OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy shared, “Kevin was well-liked throughout our agency and had a gift for making everyone around him feel welcomed.” Fennessy said, “his presence will be missed.”
Skinner was “a dedicated member of the OCFA family, serving with distinction and unwavering commitment to the community,” the OCFA said in a recent news release.
“His loss is deeply felt by his colleagues and the countless lives he touched during his career,” the OCFA agency shared. “As we think of Kevin and his family, take a moment to appreciate the dedication and courage of our members, who face risks and make sacrifices every day to serve and protect our community.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, released a statement that read, “We offer our most heartfelt sympathies to Fire Apparatus Engineer Skinner’s family, loved ones and colleagues as they mourn this painful loss. Jennifer and I honor his bravery and dedication to protecting California communities.”
Shortly following Skinner’s death, The Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund created a GoFundMe page to support Skinner’s wife and three children, with the goal of raising 300,000 dollars. As of Tuesday, 3,000 dollars had been raised.
Additionally, a highway salute took place shortly after his death to honor Skinner’s commitment to the OCFA and praise him for his many accomplishments over the years. Fire authorities from throughout the district got together to remember Skinner and encourage the community to cherish their loved ones.
In honor of Engineer Skinner’s service and sacrifice, Governor Newsom also ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to be flown at half-staff.
