Fire Marshal Dies Of COVID-19 Complications After Contracting Virus Days Before Retirement

A San Diego firefighter with more than two decades of service died of COVID-19 complications after contracting the virus a few days before his retirement.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department announced the passing of their "outstanding paramedic," Nickolas Ramirez, a Deputy Fire Marshal, who was last assigned in the Community Risk Reduction Division. "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of one of our own," the department said in a Facebook post Friday.

When Ramirez contracted the virus last month, his friends and family thought he would survive as he was vaccinated and was fit physically and mentally. But his condition soon deteriorated and he eventually died of complications from the infection on Feb.16.

Ramirez, who joined the service in 2003, was known for his selfless work. "He treated every patient as if they were a member of his own family. His compassion knew no bounds, both with his fire family and his patients," the department fondly remembered.

"He always entered a room with a smile and never left without leaving smiles on the faces of others," the department said, adding that his family members were also actively involved with department and social activities.

The tragedy struck Ramirez just a few days before his retirement. "His last shift was supposed to be just a couple of days after he checked into the hospital and never came home," said Mitch Mendler, Ramirez's long-time friend and colleague, NBC San Diego reported.

Mendler said Ramirez's death came as a great shock. "It's just hard to believe. He was a great guy, excellent firefighter, the kind of guy that you could trust, count on to get the job done," he recollected.

It is unclear how Ramirez contracted the virus. Meanwhile, Mendler said his colleague's death reminds everyone of the kind of risks first responders face every day during the pandemic.

"I can say that not everyone understands what we do and how we do our jobs, but I will tell you firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and EMT's, we sacrifice and we put ourselves in situations that most people would never accept under any circumstance," Mendler said.