Forest Service Mourns the Death of a Fire Captain killed in Off-duty Motor Vehicle Collision

Family, friends and the Forest Service are mourning the death of Big Bear Hotshot Captain Gabriel Pomona who died as result of his injuries suffered in an off-duty motor vehicle collision.
Throughout his career, Gabriel has touched many lives and will be sadly missed. Gabriel is survived by his wife Summer and multiple family members.
Gabe started his career with the Forest Service in 1995 on the Sierra National Forest on a hand crew, then promoting to a firefighter on Sierra National Forest Engine 13. The following year Gabe followed his real passion and began working on the Sierra Hotshots, for the next three years.
Gabe came to the San Bernardino National Forest, Mountaintop Ranger District in 1999 as an apprentice, assigned to Engine 16 in Big Bear. In 2001, Gabe jumped at the opportunity to assist in the certification of the newly formed Big Bear hand crew and promoting to Squad Boss. He was one of many who contributed to the successful certification of the Big Bear Hotshots in 2003, as a type one interagency hotshot crew. In 2006, seeking further opportunities, Gabe headed back to the Sierra National Forest promoting to Captain on the Crane Valley Hotshots. Gabe always said he felt at home here on the San Bernardino National Forest especially in Big Bear. In 2008 came back to the Big Bear Hotshots as Crew Captain.
At age 36, Gabe leaves a legacy of professionalism and as a member of the Big Bear community, Gabe gave to the children of the Inland Empire through the numerous crew sponsored Christmas Bike drives.
Flowers and card’s can be sent in care of the Big Bear Ranger Station, 42300 North Shore Drive Hwy 38, P.O. Box 290 Fawnskin CA 92333, all correspondence will be forwarded to the family. Memorial Service and donation information will be forth coming.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the traffic collision.
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