The Los Angeles Fire Department on July 7 announced the passing of Capt. Chris Yokoyama.
“The Los Angeles Fire Department is deeply saddened to announce the off-duty passing of Capt. II C. Yokoyama on July 6, 2026,” the LAFD said in a statement. “The department extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues. The loss of one of our own is felt throughout the entire LAFD family.”
“Our hearts are with Capt. Yokoyama’s family and all those who had the privilege of serving alongside this dedicated member of the Los Angeles Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Jaime Moore. “This is a profound loss for our department. Our immediate focus is ensuring the family and our members receive the care, compassion, and support they need during this incredibly difficult time.”
The department is providing peer support and other available resources to the member’s family and LAFD personnel affected by this loss.
Mayor Karen Bass said, “Los Angeles mourns the passing of Capt. Chris Yokoyama, a brave leader and an integral member of the Los Angeles Fire Department. For 25 years, Capt. Yokoyama served the residents of Los Angeles and dedicated his career to keeping our communities safe.
“Since joining Fire Station 95 in 2001, Capt. Yokoyama served with professionalism, courage and unwavering dedication, earning the respect of his fellow firefighters and the community he served. Out of the fire station, he was also a champion handball player and proud member of the LAFD Handball Team, reflecting the teamwork and determination that defined both his career and his life.
“His courage, leadership and commitment to others will leave a lasting impact on our city. On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Capt. Yokoyama’s family, loved ones and every member of the LAFD. May he rest in peace.”
City Councilmember Traci Park of the 11th District said, “I am saddened to learn of the tragic passing of LAFD Capt. II Chris Yokoyama. Capt. Yokoyama has been an integral member of the LAFD familiy at Station 95 next to LAX and has lived a life and career centered on service to others. I and our whole community mourn his passing and offer condolences to his family and those who he served with in this time of grief.”
According to KTVQ in Billings, Mont., Yokoyama, 46, died from natural causes while on vacation with his son in Sheridan, Wyo.
Approximately 14 LA FD responders traveled to Sheridan to pay their respects, with the help of Montana Highway Patrol and the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office.
United Firefighters of Los Angeles City President Doug Coates told MTN News, “You really realize how close the fire department is and what a brotherhood, sisterhood we are. We are obviously out of state and obviously stoked on all the support from not just other fire departments, but police and just even the public itself, pulling over.”
An online fundraiser has been established at GiveSendGo.com to support Yokoyama’s wife and three children.