Joe was a firefighter/paramedic who worked 35 years for Station 3, a great department in East Los Angeles. Joe represented all the good things we want for ourselves and the people he worked around. Joe’s quality of patient care and his bedside manner were excellent! Joe loved being a paramedic. He never complained about calls, busy days, or being up all night. He worked on one of the busiest squads in the county and did it with a smile on his face.

Joe was the guy you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to sit with at the kitchen table and have a cup of coffee with. He had such a great sense of humor. He loved to snowboard, cook, and spend time with family and friends. His burgers were the best!

Joe was named Paramedic of the Year at USC Keck Hospital in 2013.

One of the greatest calls was in 2013, when he responded to an elderly female who had fallen and had a hip injury. It was that call where he met Eliza, the daughter of the patient. Joe treated the patient as he did every other, but he did something he normally wouldn’t do. The next day, Joe got off duty and returned to the patient’s home. Oddly, he brought a potted plant with a card that read, “Coffee?” and gave it to Eliza. The rest is history. They later married, and she blessed Joe with some of the best years of his life.

Joe will be remembered as a great firefighter/paramedic. He was given the nickname “The Squad Father” by those he worked with closely, because of his experience, knowledge, and commitment to those he trained.

Joe left behind his family that loves him very much and will miss him tremendously. We all wanted more time with you, Joe. Everyone who knew you is hurting now, but we all feel very fortunate for all the great memories you left with us.