The city of Porterville is planning to hold a public remembrance ceremony for Fire Captain Raymond Figueroa and firefighter Patrick Jones.
The event is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. at the Porterville Church of the Nazarene which is located at 2005 West Olive Avenue. At 4:14 p.m., city officials will hold a public service in Centennial Park located on Main Street across from the city hall. They said it will serve as a way to publicly thank the many first responders that have assisted the city this week.
Traffic control will be in place Friday from Olive Avenue between Westwood Street and Salisbury Street between the hours of 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, the family of the Figueroa spoke to 23ABC on Thursday. Figueroa's father says he wasn't surprised his son made sure people were out of the fire safely.
"Knowing my son's character, I knew inside that it would probably end up being him and it was confirmed that it was him. His whole philosophy was that he would never leave a fellow firefighter behind. I didnt want it to be but it turned out to be," said Ramon Figueroa.
Figueroa leaves behind two children.
Private services for friends and family of Figueroa are set for Monday and Tuesday in Delano. Information on services for Patrick Jones is unknown at this time.
Two 13 year-olds have been taken into custody in connection with the fire. County officials say they will be tried as juveniles.
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