Los Angeles City Park Ranger With 40 Years of Service Dies After Working During Saddleridge Fire

A Los Angeles Park Ranger who had worked in the department for 40 years, died on Saturday after suffering a heart attack following a patrol of city parks affected by the deadly Saddleridge fire.

Captain Alberto Torres collapsed at Park Ranger headquarters on Friday afternoon after working in the San Fernando Valley, CBS Los Angeles reported. He died on Saturday morning.

Colleagues and city leaders described Torres as "incredibly dedicated" and praised his 40 years of service. He "left an everlasting impact on many," a tribute post on the Los Angeles Park Rangers L.E. Division Instagram page said.

"He has provided safety to the public, sharing his vast knowledge on plants and wildlife and his constant willingness to offer mentorship and counseling," it added.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Captain Torres worked in every park in the city and every position and assignment, including acting chief, the post said. He also created the citywide unit that focuses on homeless outreach and cleanups throughout Los Angeles.

Councilman Mitch O'Farrell said he had known Captain Torres for 17 years. "This is profoundly sad news. Many of us worked with Chief Torres for years, in my case, 17. My team is shocked and saddened by his passing," he said on Twitter.

State Assemblywoman Laura Friedman said in a tweet: "I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Park Ranger Captain Albert Torres. Albert dedicated himself to our community with the utmost warmth, grace, and love. I'm grateful to have considered him a friend. My heart is with his family, and the LA Park Rangers in this time of loss."

L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer wrote on Instagram and Twitter: "All of us send our love and support to the family and many friends of Capt. Albert Torres of the LA Park Rangers. He was incredibly dedicated to our parks and a wonderful partner to many on our staff. He was always upbeat and always willing to roll up his sleeves and help. What an incredible public service legacy for Los Angeles. We will miss him."

L.A. City Councilwoman Nury Martinez added that Torres was "the epitome of what it means to be a public servant." She said on Sunday: "Park Ranger Albert Torres went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our parks and open spaces are safe and accessible to the people of Los Angeles. Even last night he was working on the fires, doing what he loved and keeping us all safe. We miss him already. My heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and fellow park rangers."

Captain Torres is survived by his wife Cheryl, his daughter Elizabeth and son Brian.

The Saddleridge fire broke out on Thursday night and spread across the northern edge of L.A.'s San Fernando Valley, but firefighters had managed to contain around 42 percent of the fire by Sunday evening, the Los Angeles Fire Department said on Monday.

All evacuations related to the fire have now been lifted. "We appreciate the community for their prompt compliance with evacuation orders. As residents return home, we ask that they drive slowly and remain cautious of emergency personnel operating in the area," the LAFD said.