Rancho Cucamonga, California – It is with broken hearts that the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District shares news of the passing of one of our own, Fire Engineer Miguel Cervantes. Miguel passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Beginning July 2022, Miguel fought a courageous battle against work-related non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma (NHL), a cancer of the lymphatic system. Since his diagnosis and throughout his treatment, Miguel continued to display resiliency, optimism, and gratitude. Miguel was a beacon of light who leaves behind a lasting legacy within the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District.
Miguel started in the fire service as a Volunteer Firefighter with Riverside County Fire Department. In 2000 he was hired as an Apprentice Firefighter with Norco Fire Department, later promoting to Firefighter and Fire Engineer. In March 2006, Miguel began a new chapter with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District as a Firefighter and was subsequently promoted to Fire Engineer in January 2011. During his 17 years of service with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District, Miguel was an active member of the Honor Guard, Technical Rescue Team, Fire Academy Instructor, Regional FEMA USAR Team, Peer Support Member, Paramedic, and Executive Board Vice President of the Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters’ Association.
Miguel was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, and brother. He leaves behind his wife of 17 years, Cylina, and their three children. The Rancho Cucamonga Fire District shares their condolences and unwavering support for the Cervantes Family.
Miguel possessed the gift of effortlessly making those around him feel comforted, understood, and valued. These qualities made him an exceptional firefighter. He treated every patient as if they were his loved ones he was responding to. His smile was contagious in the firehouse, and his passion for his career was evident. The Rancho Cucamonga Fire District is committed to honoring Miguel’s legacy by serving the community as he did.
Monetary donations may be made to the Cervantes Family or their designated recipient through the Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters Benevolent Fund, a designated 501(c)(3), est. 2018, affiliated with Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters Association - IAFF Local 2274. To donate, please visit https://www.rcfalocal2274.org/donate.
Miguel's Celebration of Life was held on Friday, February 17, 2023, at Abundant Living Family Church.
