The Santa Clara County Fire Department continues to mourn the
loss of Fire Captain Mark McCormack, 36, who came in contact with
an energized electrical wire while fighting a four-alarm structure
fire early Sunday morning at 15700 Blossom Hill Road in Los
Gatos.
The Santa Clara County Fire Department continues to mourn the loss of Fire Captain Mark McCormack, 36, who came in contact with an energized electrical wire while fighting a four-alarm structure fire early Sunday morning at 15700 Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos.
It was the first line-of-duty death in the 58-year history of the Santa Clara County Fire Department. The City of Morgan Hill contracts with department for fire services.
McCormack’s interest in the fire service began after he was burned in a childhood accident and, as an adult, volunteered his time as a camp counselor for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.
“Being a burn survivor himself, Mark brought a unique perspective and true understanding of what our campers need. He showed us his leadership at camp and was a hero to our kids,” said Dave Miller, of the Burn Foundation Board of Directors.
Mike Sanders of Morgan Hill, a fellow camp counselor and retired fire captain remembers, “He was a ‘go-to’ guy and he was a true role model. He gave the kids strength and hope by sharing his personal experiences as a burn survivor.”
“Mark loved Champ Camp and he loved those kids,” Heather McCormack said of her husband.
McCormack spent the last 16 years pursuing a career as a firefighter and paramedic with the Orange County Fire Department, Goodhew Ambulance Service, San Mateo County Fire Department, and since 1999, he has been with the Santa Clara County Fire Department. He was promoted to captain in December 2004.
According to Fire Chief Benjamin Lopes III, “Mark was an active participant in our department. He was an ‘up and comer’ – doing all of the right things to benefit his professional development. The fire service was more than a job to him, it was his passion.
In 2001, McCormack received the Award of Valor recognizing his contributions to both County Fire and the communities it serves. He was a respected member of the Santa Clara County Fire Department Honor Guard – a prestigious unit that represents the department at many significant events, including funerals of fallen firefighters.
Memorial services are tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19, in the San Jose area.
The six residents of the home escaped the fire unharmed. The damage is estimated at $1 million. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
