A captain with the Long Beach Fire Department was shot and killed Monday while responding to an explosion at a retirement home in the city’s downtown area.
Capt. David Rosa, 45, was a 17-year department veteran with a wife and two adult children. Another firefighter, Ernesto Torres, and a civilian were also wounded at the scene.
The suspect has been identified as a 77-year-old resident of the senior facility, Thomas Kim. Authorities suspect he deliberately set the blaze to stage an ambush, though an investigation is still underway. Police also found two suspicious devices that had to be cleared by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department bomb squad. Kim was arrested and booked on homicide charges, as well as two counts of attempted murder and arson.
A candlelight vigil was held for Captain Rosa at Fire Station 10 Monday night. Mourners described him as the type of person you always want by your side; “a firefighter’s firefighter" in the words of department spokesman Jake Heflin.
“He always had your back. He would always take care of you.”
Mayor Robert Garcia also extended his condolences.
Today is an incredibly sad day for Long Beach and the Long Beach Fire Department. We’ve lost one of our local heroes and another is injured but stable. We are all praying and sending love to the families and our @lbfd team.
— Robert Garcia (@RobertGarciaLB) June 25, 2018
Capitol flags are flying at half-staff in Rosa’s honor, Gov. Jerry Brown announced Monday.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Capt. Rosa’s family, friends and the entire Long Beach Fire Department as they mourn his tragic death,” the governor said in a statement.
Police do not yet have a motive for the shooting.
“He hasn’t given us much of an explanation,” Long Beach police Cmdr. Paul LeBaron said of the suspect.
City News will be providing more updates on this story as they become available.