Memorial service held for LACoFD Capt. Steven McCann who died on duty

Mourners gathered Friday for a memorial service for Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Steven McCann, who died Feb. 9 after suffering a medical emergency while on duty.

L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and county Interim Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone were among those joining McCann’s family and fire department colleagues at the 10 a.m. memorial at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs in Diamond Bar.

“Steven was taken from us much too early,” Marrone told the gathering. “And while we will not be able to see him every day, he will never be erased from our hearts and memories. …

“Our hearts are heavy, as we know he is deeply missed by his loved ones, his colleagues and so many others. He was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, son, brother and friend,” Marrone said.

The service took place a day after colleagues and family members gathered for a flag ceremony in McCann’s memory at Fire Station 166 in El Monte, where McCann had been assigned.

During the brief flag ceremony Thursday morning, family members and dozens of uniformed firefighters stood outside near the fire station’s flagpole, where a large American flag that had been flying at half staff was raised to the top of the flagpole and then lowered and folded by an honor guard of firefighters.

Afterward, as bagpipers played “Amazing Grace,” a firefighter solemnly carried the folded flag away from the ceremonial site, to be presented to family members at Friday’s memorial service.

McCann, a 16-year veteran of the fire department, died at a hospital after suffering a medical emergency on the evening of Feb. 9 at Fire Station 166, according to a Feb. 10 statement from Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014.

“Capt. McCann passed away unexpectedly last night,” Firefighters Local 1014 said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve’s family and friends today.”

According to the county fire department, McCann “suffered an unexpected medical emergency while on duty” at about 9:30 p.m. Feb. 9.

“He was subsequently transported to a local area hospital, where, we are saddened to announce, he passed away,” county fire officials said.

The department later stated, “We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the entire McCann family during this difficult time.”

In a statement on Feb. 10, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said:

“I extend my most heartfelt condolences to Captain McCann’s family, friends and colleagues during this dark time. His service to our county’s fire department will not be forgotten. His dedication to his life’s work and sudden passing serve as a stark reminder of the deep thanks we owe the brave men and women who, like him, are always there to answer our calls for help during our times of greatest need. May he rest in peace.”