Captain Chris Mertz with the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District died Wednesday after contracting the virus just after Christmas.

"Everyone just loved him. He set the example for our organization of what a true firefighter is," Fire Chief Fred Cox said.

The American flag outside Station 5 in Harmony Grove stands at half-staff, as a way to honor the 30-year veteran.

"Not only was he a member here for 30 years, he worked for the United States Forest Service, and served on the elite hotshot crew," Cox said. "He also worked for San Diego Federal Fire and then he came here and we hired him."

Chief Cox wasn't just Chris's boss, he was also his friend. The two bonded over their love of firefighting, and their lives outside it, which centered around family. "And I really admired his family life. They did everything," Cox said.

Chris was a husband and father of three. His son is now a firefighter with Cal Fire San Diego and his two daughters are both in the Air Force.

During his career, Chris responded to 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina with Search and Rescue. Chief Cox said that Chris was always the first to volunteer.

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