Steve Ramirez’s colleagues at the Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County call him a “hugger,” a defining characteristic of his personality — one that was rare and much needed in a strenuous line of work where emotional distance can be commonplace.
“He could always find the fun even in really challenging situations. The guy just loved to laugh and loved to have fun,” said Central Fire Chief Jason Nee. “This job is really hard. It’s hard emotionally, it’s hard physically, and it’s hard on your family life. You wake up at crazy hours and you’re expected to do superhuman stuff. Steve always found the fun side of it and made working with him very enjoyable.”
Ramirez, 54, unexpectedly died while on duty Saturday night. He had served with Central Fire for 24 years. (Ramirez’s oldest daughter, Brittany, is Lookout’s lead marketing and sales coordinator.) Flags flew half-staff Monday, and will remain there for 30 days following his memorial ceremony. Central Fire District firefighters and staff will wear a black band across their badge in honor of Ramirez until after his memorial.
He began as a paid call firefighter in 1999 and was promoted to a full-time firefighter in 2000. He took another step up in 2009, when he was awarded the rank of fire captain, a position he held until his death on Saturday…