In honor of the life and legacy of fallen Fire Fighter (FF) Andrew Pontious, who died in the line of duty on Friday, June 14, 2024, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) held a flag ceremony and memorial service to celebrate his remarkable life achievements.
On Friday, June 28, the LACoFD held a flag ceremony for FF Andrew Pontious at Fire Station 93 in the City Palmdale. The next day, Saturday, June 29, a memorial service was held at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos where family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries gathered to pay their respects to the
19-year veteran firefighter. As part of the memorial service, LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone presented the United States flag, which was flown over Fire Station 93, to Andrew’s wife Kim, along with a bible from Local 1014 President Dave Gillotte.
Andrew, known affectionately as “Uncle,” was remembered as a dedicated public servant, with a deep love for his family, including his wife, stepdaughter, parents, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Andrew lived life with a love of family along with this many hobbies and interests – his passion for animal rescues, fishing, wildlife, and hunting – defined a man with a love of the outdoors. As a child, Andrew and his brother, retired LACoFD Fire Captain Dave Pontious, grew up watching Emergency as they had fun pretending to be firefighters and performing rescues.
“Andrew exemplified what a true public servant and hero is – caring, selfless, and brave,” said Chief Marrone during the memorial service. “Andrew was highly respected – and served as an esteemed Fire Department firefighter who embodied our core values, courage, caring, and community, both on- and off-duty.”
The LACoFD extends heartfelt condolences to the Pontious family. FF Andrew Pontious is no longer with us, but he will never be forgotten.
