Former Garden Grove Fire Chief Tom Schultz died Sunday while battling pancreatic and liver cancer, the department announced.
“Words alone cannot describe the immeasurable heartache felt by his family and friends, including his Garden Grove, Fullerton, and Brea fire families,” said Garden Grove Acting Fire Chief T.J. McGovern.
“Anyone who is in the Orange County Fire Service has more than likely been influenced by Chief Schultz at some point. Chief Schultz served the residents of Fullerton and Brea for 30 years and as our fire chief since 2015.”
Schultz, 54, was named Garden Grove fire chief on April 29, 2015, following a 30-year career with the Fullerton Fire Department, leading its management consolidation with the Brea Fire Department when he served as deputy chief.
In 2018, he notified the city manager of his decision to retire, effective Sept. 14, but at the city manager’s request, he continued to serve until the end of that year, while a decision was made on whether to retain the city fire department or transfer to the Orange County Fire Authority.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist his family, according to Garden Grove Fire Department Capt. Thanh Nguyen.
Schultz sought medical care at St. Jude Medical Center in early January after experiencing abdominal discomfort, according to the GoFundMe page.