Today, we are grieving the tragic loss of Captain David Rosa, a 17-year veteran with the Long Beach Fire Department. He and other firefighters responding to an early morning report of an explosion and smell of gas at a Long Beach senior housing facility were fired upon soon after they arrived on scene. Captain Rosa, another firefighter and a civilian were wounded and taken to a hospital. Rosa died a few hours after the shooting. He was 45 years old. Captain Rosa leaves behind a wife and two children.
A suspect is in custody and Long Beach Police Sergeant Brad Johnson says the man lives at the senior housing facility. Investigators are looking into the motive, but Johnson says an ambush is “definitely on the table.” This horrendous act brings to light the many dangers we face on a daily basis. When public safety officers respond to a call, we never know what to expect. We put ourselves in harm’s way without question to protect members of the community.
This is a very sad day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Captain Rosa, his family, the other two victims and their families, along with all our public safety brothers and sisters in Long Beach.