News Summary
Fountain Valley is in mourning after the sudden passing of Fire Chief Bill McQuaid at age 57 during a bodyboarding trip. A tribute processional honored his service, showcasing community solidarity. McQuaid dedicated his life to public service, having served in the fire department for decades. Memorial flags are at half-staff, and the community reflects on his legacy of leadership, mentorship, and commitment.
Fountain Valley is mourning the unexpected passing of Fire Chief Bill McQuaid, who died on Friday, July 28, at the age of 57. His death occurred while he was off duty during a bodyboarding trip at Huntington State Beach. The exact cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed by city officials.
In tribute to McQuaid’s service, an emotional processional took place on July 29, beginning at the Orange County Coroner’s Office in Santa Ana. The procession started promptly at 11 a.m. and included fire apparatus stationed on freeway overpasses along the route. It traveled through several major freeways, including the 5, 55, and 405, before concluding at a local mortuary. Community members, city employees, the families of firefighters, and representatives from neighboring fire departments joined together to honor McQuaid, waving small American flags and showing their respect.
Bill McQuaid was a lifelong resident of Fountain Valley, where he graduated from Fountain Valley High School in 1986. His career in the Fountain Valley Fire Department began in 1996 as a reserve firefighter. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, serving as fire engineer, fire captain, battalion chief, and division chief of operations. McQuaid was named fire chief in January 2023, following a distinguished career of public service.
Fountain Valley officials have expressed their deep sorrow over McQuaid’s passing. Mayor Ted Bui recognized McQuaid as a remarkable leader who prioritized the safety and welfare of the community. City Manager Maggie Le emphasized the legacy of selfless service that McQuaid created during his time with the fire department, noting the profound impact his loss has on both the department and the Fountain Valley community as a whole.
McQuaid is survived by his wife, Tracy, and their two daughters, Allyson and Julie. He also leaves behind his mother, Judy, and siblings Tracy and Mike. In recognition of his service, flags at city facilities are being flown at half-staff.
Vice Mayor Jim Cunneen commented on McQuaid’s exceptional character, stating that he had earned the respect and admiration of both the firefighters and city leadership. In a social media announcement, the Fountain Valley Fire Department described McQuaid as “more than a leader,” highlighting his role as a mentor and a friend to many.
As the community grieves, many reflect on McQuaid’s significant contributions and unwavering commitment to public service, and a collective effort is underway to celebrate his life and legacy in the days to come.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Fountain Valley Mourns Loss of Fire Chief Bill McQuaid
- Fox LA: Fountain Valley Fire Chief Dies Unexpectedly
- CBS News: Fountain Valley Fire Chief Dies
- KTLA: Fountain Valley’s Hometown Fire Chief Dies
- Wikipedia: Fountain Valley, California
- Google Search: Fountain Valley Fire Department
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.
