Fairfield Fire Department mourns the death of retired Fire Engineer Chris Bell

The Fairfield Fire Department and the entire City of Fairfield staff are deeply saddened to announce the death of retired Fire Engineer Chris Bell, 41. He died from job-related (occupational) cancer.

Engineer Bell served the Fairfield community for more than two decades. He began with the Fairfield Fire Department as a Reserve Firefighter in early 2003, was hired as a full- time firefighter in October 2007, and was promoted to Fire engineer in April 2013. He also served on the department's Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team during his career. He retired on November 10, 2024.

At the direction of City Manager David Gassaway, flags at City of Fairfield facilities will be lowered to half-staff until further notice. Fairfield Fire Department personnel will also wear mourning bands on their badges in honor of Engineer Bell.

"Today, we mourn the loss of a great man, Chris, who was an extraordinary Engineer who you wanted working a fire with you. But more importantly, a truly caring husband, father, and friend. We will deeply miss his unwavering sense of humor and infectious, can-do attitude. His legacy is etched not only in the lives of his friends and family, but in this department and with every person he was there for in their time of need." - Fire Chief John Sturdee

Memorial service details and additional honors will be shared once finalized in coordination with his family. We ask media and the public to please respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.

For media inquiries, please contact Deputy Chief Rich Llewellyn, Fairfield Fire Department (707) 436-7226 or email [email protected].