Miguel Cervantes was a loving husband to Cylina for almost 17 years. He was also the most amazing father to Isaac, Jacob, and Madilyn.

Miguel was born on September 17, 1977, in Fontana, California, the first of six children born to Marco and Yolanda Cervantes. Miguel grew up in Fontana and moved to Rancho Cucamonga when he was 15. After graduating from high school in 1995, he began attending college to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter. He graduated from the Santa Ana Fire Academy and volunteered with the Riverside County Fire Department before getting hired as an apprentice with the Norco Fire Department.

In 2006, the day before their wedding, Miguel joined the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District. He became a respected figure within the firefighting community. He served as Rescue Systems 1 Assistant Instructor for the RC Fire Academy, a certified Rescue Specialist, a LARRO State Instructor, and a Rescue Systems 1 State Instructor. Miguel also held prominent leadership positions within the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District, serving as the engineer rank representative, the secretary, and eventually the vice president of the Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters Association, Local 2274.

As much as Miguel loved his career as a firefighter, his most beloved role was being a husband and a father. Cylina and their children, Isaac, Jacob, and Madilyn, were Miguel’s greatest love and his most exciting adventure. After their first date, Miguel went back to the fire house and told his crew he was going to marry Cylina. Together as a family, Miguel loved making memories—camping, mountain biking, going to Dodgers games, and just enjoying time with one another.

In Miguel’s last days, he continued to put others before himself. He wanted to share words of encouragement and the memories he had with all those who filled the hospital in those final days. Everyone who came to say goodbye was graced with his sincere smile and positive attitude. Whether he knew you for years or just met you, Miguel possessed the gift of making you feel valued and loved.

Miguel will be remembered as a loving husband, father, friend, and respected firefighting professional. His life touched so many people, and he will be deeply missed. We thank God for the privilege of having him in our lives. We are all better for knowing and loving him, and we were blessed to have seen his smile.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 2:7