Community Rallies To Support North County Firefighter Who Died Off-Duty

FALLBROOK, CA — The community is coming together to rally around the family of a North County firefighter who died at his Riverside County home.

Rob Hager, a 42-year-old fire engineer from North County Fire Protection District, died Monday from an unexpected medical emergency at his home in Murrieta, according to the district and a GoFundMe page.

"We ask for your thoughts and prayers for the Hager Family, North County Fire and Fallbrook Firefighters Association Local 1622 as we mourn this tragic loss," the district posted on Instagram.

Hager started with the district in 2008 as a reserve firefighter and became full-time in 2012, Village News reported. The district serves the San Diego County communities of Fallbrook, Bonsall and Rainbow.

Additional details about Hager's death were not immediately released. He is survived by his wife, Courtney, and their young daughter, Sloane.

"I am so proud and so devastated at the same time," his father wrote on the district's Facebook post about the procession honoring Hager. "Dedicated men and women who honor one of their own is so impactful and I am so proud that our son will always be regarded among this family!"

The Fallbrook Firefighters Association launched a GoFundMe page Wednesday in support of Hager's family. As of Thursday afternoon, more than $35,000 had been raised.

"Rob has touched the lives of countless individuals throughout the county and state due to his care for others and love for the profession," the association wrote.