Newsom honors sheriff’s deputy who died from shooting-range fire injuries

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday issued a statement honoring a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy who died recently from injuries he suffered in fire at a Castaic shooting range in October.

Deputy Alfredo “Freddy” Flores died Saturday after he was injured in a fire that started during a training exercise at the Pitchess Detention Center, officials said.

“Jennifer and I join the Los Angeles community in grieving the profound loss of Deputy Sheriff Flores, who demonstrated unwavering dedication and bravery in his service to our state,” Newsom said. “Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones, friends and colleagues. Deputy Flores’ legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

According to a statement by the Flores’ family attorney Joe Nunez, “the malfunction of equipment during a training drill” caused the fire.

The fire started at about 9:30 a.m. Oct. 10 in a 53-foot trailer used as a mobile shooting range, according to published reports. Flores and another injured deputy were taken by other deputies to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

No details on the condition of the other deputy or Flores’ injuries have been released.

”Deputy Flores was not just a colleague but a beacon of strength, earning the respect of both his peers and the community he served,” Sheriff Robert Luna posted on social media. “His sudden departure left an immense void in the hearts of all who knew him. Freddy is survived by his wife, children, and parents.”

He was a member of the sheriff’s department for 22 years, and was assigned to the Altadena station and served at the North County Correctional Facility and the Court Services West Bureau.