The legacy of his work and that of his family stands bright and shiny on “O” Street in Firebaugh.
The city’s new state-of-the-art fire station reflects over 45 years of service of John G. Borboa, who passed away on Jan. 18 following a long illness.
His passing ends a family tradition of serving the community of Firebaugh that started over 100 years ago. His grandfather, Ramon Borboa Sr., served as the city’s first fire chief in the early 1920s. Later Borboa’s father, E.C. “Casey” Borboa was the chief for almost 30 years. A young John Borboa, already a volunteer, succeeded his father in 1976 and served as chief until he retired almost two years ago. Along the way, almost 15 members of the Borboa family have also served as volunteers.
The Firebaugh Volunteer Fire Department evolved and improved under Borboa’s leadership. From the days of heading to fires riding on the back of trucks, the department increased its membership, improved training, and expanded its service area to aid Fresno County, Madera County and the city of Mendota.
One of the programs Borboa was most proud of was the department’s cadet program, where teenagers in the community learned firefighting and life-saving basics.
Hector Marin has served alongside Borboa for almost 21 years. Now a battalion chief, he has been the supervisor of the cadets.
“A lot of our current personnel came up through the cadet program, and others went on to work for other agencies,” Marin explained.
He remembered that Borboa could be a very stern taskmaster.
“John was a tough person to be under, but we understood why,” he said. “He was making us better. He was a man with experience and knowledge from his countless hours of serving the town. No matter how good you did your job or a task, you would never get a pat on the back because he felt it could always be done better.”
Marin was chatting with the chief one day when Firebaugh city manager Ben Gallegos came up to them and said he was working on obtaining a grant to build a new fire station.
Borboa was skeptical at first, but when it looked like the grant would indeed come in, Borboa started working on plans, visiting other stations here in the central valley and talking to his counterparts on what was needed.
The result was the new station, which opened in August of 2023.
But it was Borboa’s dedication to respond to every fire, every auto accident, and every medical aid that will be remembered most.
“A lot of what John did went unnoticed,” said Marin. “He lived Firebaugh, he bled Firebaugh, he loved Firebaugh and the department,” he said. “I am never going to be able to fill his shoes. He was a mentor, a friend, a father-figure to a lot of young kids. We bumped heads, but if you had a problem, you could go to him and he would give you a straight-forward answer.”
So, the department will continue to move forward with its mission of keeping Firebaugh safe. And for the first time in over 100 years, without a Borboa on the roster.
But because of the hard work of Chief Borboa, the department will undoubtedly continue to prosper.
(David Borboa served with the Firebaugh Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years as an engineer/first responder.)
