Sara Thomas, 41-year-old CAL FIRE Firefighter passed away early this morning, January 31, 2017. She passed away at her Desert Hot Springs home surrounded by her loving family. Her husband Isaac, twin’s daughters Olivia and Mirna were with her when she passed. She dealt with a long and courageous battle against cancer. Sara was an amazing warrior, she fought to the very end. She is survived by her husband, daughters and will dearly be missed by her family and friends.
Sara Thomas has been a firefighter with CAL FIRE for 16 years. Sara started her career as a seasonal Firefighter 1 in the CAL FIRE Monte Vista Unit on May 15, 2000. Then in June 2002, she transferred to the San Benito-Monterey Unit until July 2004 when she then transferred to the Riverside Unit as a limited term Firefighter II. Between 2004 and 2007, Sara worked in both San Benito-Monterey and Riverside Units. In April 2008, she accepted a permanent Firefighter II position with the Riverside Unit. Sara spent most of her career serving the citizens of the Coachella Valley in Riverside County until her passing. Her last assignment was at Fire Station 80, North Indio.
Arrangements for Firefighter Sara Thomas have not been finalized; more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Everyone is so sorry to hear of Sara’s passing. I want to express my most sincere sympathies from the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire family to the Thomas family during this difficult time. Sara was a highly valued and a respected member of our team here, and the effects of her passing are already being felt by her fellow Fire family. We shall always miss Firefighter Sara Thomas but shall never forget her contributions and her genuine heart for her real and fire families.
We are at loss for adequate words to express our sadness for the Thomas and Fire families. Please keep the Thomas family in your most sincere thoughts and prayers.
Please all be strong as we move forward; Sara would want us strong.