Age: 47
Last Call: 1/31/2022

Stockton Fire Captain Vidal “Max” Fortuna was shot in the early morning hours of January 31, 2022 while operating at a structure fire. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he died of his wounds. Captain Fortuna was 47 years old.

Remembered as a man who loved his job and his community, Brother Fortuna was a 21-year veteran of the Stockton Fire Department and a proud member of Stockton Firefighters Local 456.

“He never missed a day and never complained about being on the job,” said Local 456 President Mario Gardea. When he wasn’t on the job, Brother Fortuna was on the ball field, coaching youth sports in his community. He also played bass in his church ministry in Modesto.

Lodi Fire Chief Ken Johnson said Fortuna’s faith, family and career as a fireman were the three most important and valuable things to him.

Captain Fortuna began his work as a firefighter in the Ceres Fire Department, and later moved onto the Stockton Fire Department where he formed a close bond with his academy mates. Fortuna was known as a “fireman’s fireman,” and Fortuna loved everyone back in the same way.

Captain Fortuna was described wanting some of the toughest assignments, wanting to be the first on scene and always ready to save lives.

“He was known as everyone’s brother. A true brother being a brother isn’t about the blood you share — it’s about those willing to bleed with you, and that’s what Max did”

Captain Fortuna is remembered as a “genuine, warm-hearted human being” who took immense pride in being a firefighter.

Captain Fortuna left behind a wife and two adult children.