Ross Valley Firefighter Dies Unexpectedly

MARIN COUNTY, CA – The Ross Valley Fire Department is mourning one of its own. Chris Mahoney, 39, an engineer and paramedic with the department, has died unexpectedly, officials announced Thursday.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the Mahoney family as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother," the department said in a statement. "Please keep them, and all of us, in your thoughts at this sad time."

A Marin County native, Mahoney was raised in Fairfax and graduated from Sir Francis Drake High School. He attended Marlboro College in Vermont, graduating with a bachelor's in classical music composition.

Mahoney began his fire service career as a volunteer with the Ross Valley Fire Department and was hired as a full-time firefighter and paramedic in January 2005.

In addition to serving the Ross Valley community, Mahoney also served as a seasonal firefighter and paramedic for the Marin County Fire Department. He was also a participating member of the Marin County Hazardous Material Team.

"All Marin County Fire agencies are providing support to RVFD during this tragic time," the department said in a statement. "Departments will be supplying staffing coverage, as well as peer and family support. Flags will be lowered to half-staff at all Marin County Fire stations and badges will be shrouded in honor of Chris."

Details about Mahoney's death have not yet been released.

Mahoney is survived by his mother Shirley Mahoney, his father Jay Mahoney, his sister Julia Lieb, his brother RVFD Battalion Chief Dan Mahoney, and his three nieces Anna, Filomena and Odette.

According to the department, the Mahoney family plans to hold private, family services. A celebration of life will follow at a later date, open to extended family, friends and colleagues.

Photos credit Ross Valley Fire Department