Ahead of the upcoming memorial service for Los Angeles County firefighter specialist Tory Carlon on June 17, firefighters across the Santa Clarita Valley have come together to support the families of one firefighter who was killed and his critically wounded captain.
Carlon and Captain Arnie Sandoval were shot at Station 81 in Agua Dulce the morning of June 1 by off-duty firefighter Jonathan Patrick Tatone. Tatone then drove to his home in Acton, where he set the building on fire before he took his own life.
“This is a tragic event… It took a lot of people by surprise. This is life-changing,” Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Sean Ferguson said of the shooting. “I can’t speak for all of our firefighters but I can speak for how I feel and this is absolutely devastating.”
Carlon was pronounced dead at the scene while Sandoval was quickly transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital with critical injuries. While Sandoval remains in the hospital, his condition is stable and he is expected to fully recover.
Carlon’s daughter, Joslyn, graduated from Saugus High School on June 3 with nearly 300 firefighters in attendance, all supported her from the sidelines in the absence of her father. As she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, Joselyn donned her father’s turnout coat.
“There is a family that lost a father,” Ferguson said. “As a dad myself, I understand the impact of this. This is heartbreaking.”
The L.A. County Fire Department is also offering support to those that are struggling with grief.
“There are a number of chaplains that have met with members impacted, including family members, loved ones and colleagues,” Ferguson added. “Our priority is to take care of their mental health.”
Firefighters have outlets available to them through the department. Ferguson said, “The department has activated our peer support team, mental health professionals, chaplains and our memorial management team to ensure all firefighters are properly cared for following the tragic incident at Station 81.”
“This is heartbreaking,” Ferguson added. “It’s so sad… our hearts go out to all of the people affected.”
Those who would like to help the families of the firefighters are encouraged to visit the GoFundMe pages that have been set up for each of them, according to Ferguson. The GoFundMe to help Captain Sandoval with his medical expenses can be found here.
To assist the Carlon family with funeral expenses, you can find their GoFundMe here.
Carlon’s memorial service will be livestreamed Thursday, June 17, at 10 a.m. on the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Facebook page.
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Savanna Birchfield
Savanna Birchfield is a senior at California State University, Northridge, majoring in Broadcast Journalism. She spent most of her childhood in Santa Clarita and received her Associate’s Degree in both Journalism and Animation Production at College of the Canyons. She has reported in SCV as a member of COC’s Canyon News, an intern at The Santa Clarita Valley Signal, and as an independent journalist. At CSUN, she’s worked at 88.5 FM KCSN and On Point. When she is not focused on journalism, she volunteers for CAL FIRE, informing the public on fire prevention.
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