Ventura County firefighter, killed on duty, honored at memorial service

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (KABC) -- Loved ones bid an emotional farewell to a Ventura County firefighter who died last month on his way to battle a wildfire at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Thousands attended the memorial service Monday morning at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, where a team of firefighters carried the casket holding the body of 38-year-old fire engineer Ryan Osler.

Osler was a passenger in a water tender truck that hit a curb and rolled over at a roundabout on Purisima Road in Lompoc on Sept. 21.

The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries, but Osler died in the crash.

Osler was an 18-year veteran of the Ventura County Fire Department. His father served 22 years in the same department.

More than 1,000 firefighters attended the service, along with many family and friends. In addition, 150 fire engines lined up outside the church, and crews from far and wide came to show their support.

"I appreciate all the support we've had from fire and law enforcement from across the state. Right now, all 32 of our fire stations are covered by other county and city engines so that all 32 of our stations can be here to honor Ryan's memory today," said VCFD Chief Mark Lorenzen.

Family friend Mike Hammer said fire units from Santa Maria, Torrance and all over California showed up to support Ryan's family.

Osler leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, and two children, Amanda and Brandon. A GoFundMe account was set up by Osler's brother-in-law to help the family.