Memorials - Line of Duty Deaths

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and Contra Costa County Firefighters, Local 1230 are saddened to announce the passing of one of their own in the line of duty.

Retired Contra Costa Fire Captain Peter Anthony Aliotti passed away on August 28, 2018 at the age of 62.

Brother Aliotti had a successful career as a Contra Costa County firefighter, rising to the rank of captain before his retirement in 2012. He worked at many stations but mainly in Concord, Pleasant Hill, and Antioch.

Pete’s kind heart, always willing to help attitude, sense of humor, and love of life has endeared him to family, friends, colleagues, and the communities that he has served. He lived well, laughed often, and loved much.

Pete Aliotti is survived by his second wife, Cori (Stopka), daughters Ashley and Sara Bellafronte (Vincent), mother, siblings, and their significant others, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your donation to The Robin Aliotti Memorial Business Scholarship, Los Medanos College Foundation, 2700 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565.

For Concord resident Michael Braz, firefighting was more than a job. It was a way of life. He started his career with the Contra Costa Fire Department in 1971 and worked his way up to supervising inspector, the position he held when he retired in 2003. He was well-loved by family, friends and his firefighter brothers and sisters and was best-known for his big heart, infectious smile, generosity of spirit and sense of humor. He died of job-related cancer. (Submitted by the Braz Family for the 2009 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial).

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty deaths of two members of IAFF Local 1230 - Contra Costa County, California. Captain Matthew C. Burton, 35, and Engineer Scott P. Desmond, 37 both died on Saturday, July 21, 2007 in a flashover while attempting to rescue two people from a house fire. A Memorial Fund has been established to benefit the families of the two fallen fire fighters. Contributions can be made to the Local 1230 Widows and Orphans Fund, 112 Blue Ridge Drive, Martinez, CA 94553. You can also send condolences and expressions of sympathy to the same address.

Matt started his career with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District In 1997,spending almost all ten of his year at Station 81. He was promoted to Engineer in 2002 and became a Captain in February 2007. Matt was a man who was dedicated to everything that is important in life; family, friends, and his work. He was a boy who idolized his father, a son who brought joy to his mother and a loving brother. He was a friend who would go to battle for you without question or hesitation and was genuine to every person he met. Above all else, he was a compassionate husband and loving father who cherished his family with every ounce of his being. He lived with purpose, playfulness and a smile that will never be forgotten. (Submitted by the Burton Family for the 2008 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial).

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Fire Fighter James Capra of IAFF Local 1230 – Martinez, California. Brother Capra died Monday, May 1, 2006 of complications from a job incurred exposure to a blood borne pathogen.

Jim grew up in a fire fighter family – his father was an Engineer with the Berkeley Fire Department. Jim began his career with Contra Costa Fire in 1973 and in the early 90s, diagnosed with a job-incurred exposure, Hepatitis C. Jim continued to work until the liver disease forced him to retire in 2003. One of Jim’s proudest moments was in 1995 when he testified before the California Legislative Committee on the Infectious Disease Presumption Bill, and in 2004 when the IAFF produced a training video for the prevention of infectious diseases: “The Jim Capra Story.” In spite of his liver transplant Jim was unable to realize his dreams of regaining his health and enjoying a well deserved retirement with his family. He is a true hero for always putting the needs of others before himself. (Submitted by the Capra Family for the 2006 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial).

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty deaths of two members of IAFF Local 1230 - Contra Costa County, California. Captain Matthew C. Burton, 35, and Engineer Scott P. Desmond, 37 both died on Saturday, July 21, 2007 in a flashover while attempting to rescue two people from a house fire. A Memorial Fund has been established to benefit the families of the two fallen fire fighters. Contributions can be made to the Local 1230 Widows and Orphans Fund, 112 Blue Ridge Drive, Martinez, CA 94553. You can also send condolences and expressions of sympathy to the same address.

From his earliest days, Scott Desmond liked to say that he wanted to be "just like my dad." Throughout his life, he cherished the closeness of family...his own and his extended fire service family. In 1999, he joined the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, was promoted to Fire Engineer in 2002 and had finished in the top third of the most recent Captain's testing. At home, Scott cherished his family life with wife and son. His humor, compassion and sense of fun enveloped and enriched anyone who met him. He loved baseball, playing guitar, music trivia, and playing video games. He was also a big fan of Seinfeld and Star Wars. (Submitted by the Desmond Family for the 2008 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial).

Captain Ferrante began his career as a fire fighter with the Pittsburg Fire Department, September 1973. When John became a Captain in the fire service it was one of the proudest days of his life. He was a great leader, teacher, problem solver, and earned the respect of his crew. His goal was teaching his crew all they needed to know in order to keep them safe and get the job done. All of John’s family is very proud of him. He was a brave fire fighter and the courage he displayed during his illness, still helps his family cope with this terrible loss. (Submitted by the Ferrante Family for the 2009 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial).

Capt. Gehling served his community for more than 33 years as a fire fighter, Captain and paramedic, serving the last 27 years with Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. After a very short retirement, he volunteered as a Training Chief for River Delta Fire District. He also enjoyed being a member of Mt. Diablo Firefighters Golf Association, coaching and umpiring baseball for East County Little League and participating in Bikes for Tykes. He will always be remembered for his huge smile and his undying commitment to make his Department a better place, to make those around him better and to strive to improve his own skills. His energy and excitement cannot be replaced. (Submitted by the Gehling Family for the 2009 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial).

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Fire Captain Roger Harless, IAFF Local 1230, Contra Costa County, CA. Brother Harless, 60, passed away on January 9, 2019 after having complications of an open-heart surgery to remove a tumor.

Brother Harless will be buried at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1965 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549, (925) 932-0900.

Expressions of sympathy or condolences for the family or the Local can be sent to IAFF Local 1230, 112 Blue Ridge Drive, Martinez, CA 94553.

While still a student at U.C. Santa Cruz, Larry Hein dedicated time to both the fire service and his education. He created the Volunteer Firefighter Medical Training Program, while serving as a volunteer firefighter. He eventually rose to the ranks of Captain and was able to use his talents to design fire apparatus for the specific needs of the East Diablo Fire Protection District. When he served as the Assistant Chief of the East Contra Costa Fire District, Larry was instrumental in the passage of a fire sprinkler ordinance for homes within the district. All those who new Larry would agree that his greatest joy could be attributed to the devotion he had for his sons, Stephen and Daniel. He courageously battled job-related cancer. Even after his death, he continues to inspire all those who knew and loved him.

It is with deepest regret and sorrow that we have to report to you the line-of-duty death of Fire Fighter Michael A. Impastato of IAFF Local 1230 – Martinez, California 94553 – Brother Impastato died on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 of cancer.

LeRoy "Roy" Jenkins, a Senior Fire Fighter at Engine Co. 9 of the Contra Costa County Consolidated Fire District left this world July 2, 1974 doing what he loved most, giving of himself for others. His death came as a result of a heart attack during a grass fire, and at a time when he was engrossed in his work and and seeking no quarters for his physical well being. Prior to joining Old Mt. Diablo Fire District 18 years ago, Brother Jenkins worked as a carpenter. None out-performed Le Roy Jenkins, in gentleness, kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness and dedication. He gave his all - for his family, his friends, his country in World War II and for the fire service and comrades he loved.

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Captain Donald Kent Leverton of IAFF Local 1230 - Contra Costa County, California. Brother Leverton, 51, died on December 30, 2006 from cardiac arrest. He was laid to rest on January 8, 2007.

Kent was a compassionate, dedicated, and aggressive Captain in the firehouse whose legacy lives on strong today. Working in some of the department’s busiest companies, Kent was awarded the Fire Fighter of the Year for his heroics and command at a fire involving the rescue of seven children from a burning home and participated in several of the largest, most technical incidents the district has experienced. Retiring in September 2006 after serving 30 years on the line, Kent looked forward to enjoying his passion of hunting and the outdoors as the outdoorsman at heart that he truly was. (Submitted by the Leverton Family for the 2007 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial).

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Captain John W. Nunes of IAFF Local 1230 - Contra Costa County, California. Brother Nunes, 50, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 from cancer. Expressions of sympathy or condolences can be sent to Local 1230 at 112 Blue Ridge Drive, Martinez, California 94553.

John Nunes' fire service career spanned forty years with Contra Costa County ending as Captain with twenty seven years of professional service.

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Captain David J. Stochl of IAFF Local 1230 - Contra Costa County, California. Brother Stochl, 51, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 from brain cancer. Expressions of sympathy or condolences can be sent to Local 1230 at 112 Blue Ridge Drive, Martinez, CA 94553.

The City of Pinole Fire Department and the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230 are saddened to announce the line of duty death of Pinole Fire Captain Richard Voisey. Richard Voisey served the City of Pinole as a firefighter for 35 years, rising in the ranks from volunteer firefighter to Fire Captain

Captain Richard Voisey, passed away surrounded by his family on March 4, 2015 at age 54, due to occupational brain cancer. Richard Voisey was a loving husband, father, son, grandfather and brother. He was a great firefighter, leader and citizen. We honor his memory and send our condolences to his wife, Nancy, his daughters Sasia and Sarah, his son, Joshua and granddaughter Autumn.

After leaving the Army and a brief stint in the Postal Service, Terry joined the fire department and saw many changes and adjustments to the fire service in the next 32 years that he served. Outside of his family there was nothing that Terry loved more than his San Francisco 49’ers. Though small in stature, Terry was large in spirit. (Submitted by the Werner Family for the 2007 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial)

On behalf of all your brothers and sisters in Local 1230, we offer our condolences and support for the loss of Brother Willie West. Local 1230 has lost a member in “good standing” who has always been there for the fight, no matter what the issue was. He has succumbed to the “job” and lost his life to the silent but deadly enemy of occupational cancer. He was a great servant to the East Contra Costa County Fire District and has paid the ultimate price. Fire Engineer Willie West, has died in the “line of duty” and will be honored for that.