Kern County Fire Engineer Brian Massey was remembered at a memorial service at Valley Baptist Church in northwest Bakersfield a week after he died in the line of duty.

20 companies from across the state, including those from Los Angeles, Fresno and Kings counties, were also at Friday’s funeral. A graveside service followed in the southwest.

Massey passed away after a “significant medical event” at his home, but any death within 24 hours after a shift ends is considered on-duty.

Kelli Forsch