Ventura County Fire mourns the loss of Engineer Ryan Osler
Tragedy struck Wednesday morning for a Ventura County fire crew heading to Vandenberg Air Force Base to battle the Canyon Fire.
Now, family, colleagues, and an entire community is left mourning the loss of 38-year-old Ventura County Fire Engineer Ryan Osler.
Just before 6:30 a.m., Osler and a fellow firefighter were on their way to the Canyon Fire when their fire water tender truck lost control at the Purisima Road and Highway 246 roundabout in Lompoc. The driver was taken to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries, but Osler died on scene as a result of his injuries.
“Our collective hearts are broken at the loss of our friend and brother Ryan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” said Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen.
The tragic loss have left many in shock, but the outpouring of support from an entire community has eased the heavy hearts of the many firefighters and first responders that worked with Osler throughout the years.
“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of public support for Ryan and on behalf of all the men and women of the Ventura County Fire Department, thank you for your continued prayers,” said Chief Lorenzen.
“We are extremely saddened at the loss of life of a firefighter, one of our brothers in uniform, in route to help others. And it’s the sadness of what we do as emergency responders,” said Sgt. Don Clotworthy with the California Highway Patrol on Osler’s sudden passing.
California Gov. Jerry Brown also issued a statement on the death of Engineer Osler:
“Anne and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Fire Engineer Ryan Osler, a man who dedicated his life to protecting his fellow Californians. This tragedy reminds us of the dangers firefighters face every day. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and many colleagues who are mourning this loss.”
WHO WAS RYAN OSLER
Engineer Osler had been with the Ventura County Fire Department for the last 18 years.
He began his career in 1998 as a member of the Ventura County Fire Handcrew, and was hired as a trainee firefighter in 2006. After six years of service, Osler was promoted to the rank of Fire Engineer at Fire Station 42 in Moorpark.
Osler is survived by his wife and two children.
Families have been notified and department liaisons are assisting all family, friends, firefighters and coworkers affected by Wednesday’s tragedy, stated the Ventura County Fire Department.
All flags have been ordered at half-staff and mourning bands will be worn. A procession will take place some time between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday from the Santa Barbara Coroner’s Office to Ventura County.
