Valentine J. Careen

Val Careen Placentia Fire Department

My dad dedicated 40 years of his life as a volunteer firefighter, serving his community with courage, loyalty, and heart right up until the day he passed away. He was the kind of man who, whenever a call came in, would be the first one at the hall with the doors open and ready to go.

One of the many examples of his selflessness occurred in 1978 when he participated in the successful rescue of a family from their burning home in Jerseyside before the fire brigade and equipment had arrived on scene, a wooden ladder was placed to a window of the burning house, and the family was rescued.

Even while battling cancer, he remained an active member of the fire department because being a firefighter was never just a title to him—it was part of who he was. His fellow firefighters were more than colleagues; they were family. He answered the call whenever he was needed, and his commitment to serving others never wavered.

His legacy is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his community. He will always be remembered as a true volunteer firefighter and a man who put others before himself.

Lung Cancer