The agency announced the death of a longtime Los Angeles County Fire Department captain on Sunday.
Capt. Michael H. Mercado had served in the fire department for more than 25 years, according to the department, which did not release details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
“It is with heavy heart that the #LACoFD shares the death of active duty Fire Chief Michael H. Mercado,” the department said in a post to served faithfully for years.”
“We extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Captain Mercado,” the message continued.
Following the announcement, which was made just after 11 a.m. on Sunday, a department spokesperson clarified that the longtime fire chief had not died in the line of duty.
