In loving memory of Battalion Chief Rob Van Wormer

Cal Fire Santa Clara Unit

End of Watch: 10/27/2012

Cal Fire Santa Clara Unit Battalion Chief Rob Van Wormer, 47, died October 27, 2012 when he suddenly lost consciousness while on assignment.

The cause and circumstances of Van Wormer’s death were not immediately released. Rob normally worked in the Santa Clara County unit but was in Santa Cruz working on an investigation when he lost consciousness and was rushed to Dominican Hospital. Multiple attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he passed away around 8 p.m.

Van Wormer had served with Cal Fire for 24 years as both battalion chief and a fire investigator. His brother, Kirk, is a Cal Fire Battalion Chief in the Sonoma Lake-Napa Unit.

Rob’s wife and his two sons were brought to Santa Cruz, and were later joined by his parents and his sister, according to Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott.

Battalion Chief Van Wormer is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and two sons, Austin and Dalton.