Two fallen Fresno County firefighters and one from Kern County were among 30 honored Saturday at the Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Capitol Park, the California Fire Foundation said.

Fresno Fire Captain Walter E. Sickler, 55, who died Aug. 6, 2025, after a battle with job-related cancer, was remembered for his 28 years of service and dedication to his community, according to the foundation.

Also honored were Selma Firefighter/Paramedic Chris R. Nelson, 55, who died Feb. 8, 2024, following a medical emergency from a ladder accident, and Kern County Fire Captain Michael Bruce Wells, 51, who passed Jan. 28, 2024, after battling occupational-related cancer.

Nearly 1,000 firefighters, family members, and supporters attended the ceremony, which included flyovers, a pipes

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