Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District Captain W. Chris Mertz, 54, died January 20th from complications of COVID-19.
Captain Mertz had a distinguished career with Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. He also served on the Laguna Hot Shots and was a member of San Diego Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force 8. His commitment to service extended beyond his community as he answered the call to provide aid after the World Trade Center attacks and Hurricane Katrina.
Mertz was a 30 year veteran of the fire service and is survived by his wife and 3 children.