The City of Garden Grove is mourning the loss of its beloved fire chief who passed away Sunday at the age of 54.
Tom Schultz’s death came just one day after the city announced he’d been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He had retired in September, "but at the request of City Manager Scott Stiles, continued to serve as annuitant fire chief," according to a city statement. Division Chief T.J. McGovern is now serving as acting fire chief.
"Garden Grove has lost an admirable man and an exceptional leader who proudly devoted himself to protecting lives and serving a community that will forever be in his debt," Mayor Steve Jones said. "Our most heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with his family during this difficult time, shared by all those who knew him."
Schultz was appointed chief in 2015. For the preceding 30 years, he’d served the Fullerton Fire Department. As an instructor for Santa Ana College's fire technology program, he helped prepare the next generation of fire personnel in Orange County.
Schultz leaves behind a wife and three children. A GoFundMe account to assist his family members can be found here.