Firefighters across California have honoured Travis Foster, a 35-year-old Hayward firefighter and paramedic who died by suicide on Saturday, 19 September.
Foster had served with the Hayward Fire Department since 2018 and was recognised by Hayward Firefighters Local 1909 as a line-of-duty death, citing his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and the cumulative effects of his service.
He was also a US Air Force veteran who served as a pararescueman from 2011 to 2020. During part of that period, he served both the military and the Hayward community.
The city said Foster had answered countless emergency calls during his time with the department, working on Engines 2, 3 and 4, as well as Squad 2.
Firefighters line the route in tribute
On Wednesday, firefighters gathered on highway overpasses along the route from Santa Cruz to Lincoln, in Placer County, as Foster’s body was escorted to the city.
The solemn procession prompted tributes from fire crews across the Bay Area. Dave Killmer, commander of the Roseville Firefighters Local 1592 honour guard, shared footage of the escort and spoke of the toll that repeated exposure to trauma can take on emergency workers.
“I am tired of losing firefighters,” Mr Killmer wrote. “I am tired of seeing PTSD, trauma, depression, and the cumulative weight of this profession take people we love away from their families, their departments, and their fire service family.”
He urged firefighters to look beyond outward appearances and to ask difficult questions when colleagues might be struggling.
“We have become very good at protecting each other on the fireground, but we need to become just as committed to protecting each other when the gear comes off,” he wrote.
San Mateo County Firefighters Local 2400 said Foster’s death was felt throughout the profession, adding: “To every firefighter carrying something heavy: you are not alone, and reaching out is a sign of strength. Check on your crew. Check on yourself.”
Support for Foster’s family
Foster leaves behind his wife, Jenifer, a daughter and a son, as well as colleagues who described him as a deeply valued member of the Hayward fire family.
Local 1909 has launched a fundraising effort to support his relatives. “Rest easy, Brother,” the union said. “We’ll take it from here.”
The tribute came as Hayward officials continued to expand mental-health support for firefighters. On 15 September, the city council considered extending an agreement providing app-based services including mental-performance coaching, training modules and access to additional resources for department personnel.
The city said Foster’s service as an Air Force pararescueman reflected the same commitment to helping others that he brought to Hayward.
