Duty Death: Harold Joe Cordova - [Manassa]
End of Service: 01/05/2022
By Rachel Engel
MANASSA, Colo. — A longtime member of the Manassa Fire Department died on Sunday, 9 News reported.
Harold Joe Cordova responded to a mutual aid call with the Romeo Fire Department for a controlled burn that spread to firewood and began moving towards residential structures.
At that point, Cordova let his crewmembers know he wasn’t feeling well before suffering a cardiac event shortly after. He was later pronounced dead.
Cordova served with the MFD for more than 65 years and was an inspirational figure to many at the department. Cordova also served on the Conejos County Fire Board.
Firefighter Denny Fringer said he looked up to Cordova as a child when he would visit the station with his father.
“Seeing that kind of sparked an interest in me as far as joining on, and community service and being someone who gives back to the community,” said Fringer. “I think [Cordova] is a great example of what we should be doing as a community member, of being part of something that is bigger than yourself.”
A procession is planned for Cordova ahead of funeral services at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 6.