News Summary
Bill McQuaid, the Fire Chief of Fountain Valley, passed away unexpectedly at age 57. He died during a bodyboarding trip, and the cause of death is not disclosed. A procession is planned to honor his legacy, and city officials have announced flags will be at half-staff in his memory. With nearly three decades of service, McQuaid was known for his dedication to the community and leadership during critical events, impacting many lives in Fountain Valley.
Fountain Valley Fire Chief Bill McQuaid Dies Unexpectedly at Age 57
Fountain Valley, CA – Bill McQuaid, the Fire Chief of Fountain Valley, passed away unexpectedly over the weekend at the age of 57. His death was confirmed by city officials through a social media announcement on Saturday.
McQuaid died while he was off-duty during a bodyboarding trip to Huntington State Beach. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed at this time. In response to this tragic event, Acting Fire Chief Tim Saiki has organized a procession to honor McQuaid, set for Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Procession Details
The procession will begin at the Orange County Coroner’s Office located at 1071 W. Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana. The planned route includes fire apparatus stationed on freeway overpasses and will travel across the 5, 55, and 405 freeways. It will exit the 405 Freeway at Euclid Street, pass by City Hall on Slater Avenue, and conclude at a mortuary.
This procession aims to pay respect to McQuaid, and fire departments from all over Orange County are expected to participate. City officials have also announced that flags at all city facilities will be flown at half-staff in honor of the late chief.
Career Overview
Bill McQuaid had a long and dedicated career with the Fountain Valley Fire Department, joining in 1996. Throughout nearly three decades of service, he rose through the ranks, taking on various roles including fire engineer, fire captain, battalion chief, and division chief of operations. In January 2023, McQuaid was promoted to Fire Chief, fulfilling a promise made to former Fire Chief Bernard Heimos to serve his hometown for his entire career.
Throughout his time with the department, McQuaid was known for his commitment to the community and his leadership during critical events. He played a significant role in addressing the opioid crisis and coordinated local vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He earned a master’s degree in public safety leadership and executive management from Arizona State University in 2022.
Legacy and Impact
Mayor Ted Bui described McQuaid as a remarkable leader who instilled a sense of safety in the community. City Manager Maggie Le recognized his legacy of selfless service, highlighting the deep care he had for both his team and the residents of Fountain Valley. Vice Mayor Jim Cunneen emphasized that McQuaid earned the respect and admiration of firefighters, city leadership, and the general public alike.
McQuaid is survived by his wife, Tracy; daughters, Allyson and Julie; mother, Judy; sister, Tracy; brother, Mike; and other family members. The city is currently in a period of deep mourning following his untimely passing.
Conclusion
Details regarding memorial services for Fire Chief Bill McQuaid have yet to be announced. As the city of Fountain Valley continues to grieve his loss, it reflects on the lasting impact he made in his nearly three-decade career, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community he loved.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Fountain Valley Mourns Loss of Fire Chief Bill McQuaid
- CBS News: Fountain Valley Fire Chief Dies
- Wikipedia: Fire Chief
- ABC7: Fountain Valley Fire Chief Bill McQuaid Dies Unexpectedly
- Orange County Register: Fountain Valley Mourns Fire Chief Bill McQuaid
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
