Fallen Fire Engineer Remembered in Public Memorial Service

Friends, family, and colleagues are remembering a Ventura County fire engineer killed in the line of duty.

Ryan Osler died September 21 st when the water tender truck he was in rolled over while responding to the Canyon Fire at Vandenberg Air Force Base. This Monday Osler was remembered by the community and his loved ones as a man who had two loves; firefighting and family.

“I heard the word used many times to describe Ryan as selfless whether it be at work or with friends and neighbors doing projects for everybody. I can’t think of a better attribute to have as a firefighter,” said Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen.

Osler’s wife of 16-years and high school sweetheart Jennifer as well as their two young children Amanda and Brandon were welcomed to the ceremony by a sea of uniforms.

“The family so appreciates all the effort love and compassion of the fire department,” said Osler Family Friend Mike Hammer.

For the Ventura County Fire Department this is the second Osler they have lost. Osler’s father Ralph, a 22-year veteran of the Ventura County Fire Department passed away in 2002 from smoke inhalation related causes.

“As we move forward from today we know we have a second guardian angel watching over us,” said Osler’s sister Jeanine Osler.

Despite losing his father, Ryan Osler dedicated his life to the Ventura County Fire Department, joining Ventura County’s hand crew at just 19-years old. His work ethic and reputation as someone you could always count on helped him rise to the rank of engineer at Station 42 in Moorpark.

Osler’s badge and helmet were presented to his children and wife at the end of the ceremony. After the public memorial, Osler’s body was taken to Conejo Memorial Park for a private burial service.

His name will soon join his father’s on Ventura County’s Firefighter Memorial.

Anyone who would like to donate in honor of Osler may visit the online memorial page .