The firefighting community and local residents are coming together in support of Deputy Chief Marcos Padilla of the Spring Valley Fire Department, who was injured while responding to an emergency on June 20, 2025.
According to Evan Humphrey, a fellow firefighter and close friend, the day began like any other for Deputy Chief Padilla. After sending his children off to school and completing his duties as Fire Inspector for the Village of Montebello, Padilla was headed home when a fire call came through. As a dedicated responder, he quickly turned around to answer the call.
While en route to the emergency, another vehicle failed to yield and struck Padilla’s department-issued chief’s vehicle. Despite the impact, Padilla’s first instinct was to assist the other driver, not realizing the extent of his own injuries. He was later transported to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a head injury, arm injury, and other trauma consistent with a serious collision.
The accident left Padilla unable to work, leading to a period without pay due to exhausted sick and compensation time. As the primary provider for his children and other family members, the financial burden quickly mounted. In spite of lingering health issues, Padilla felt compelled to return to work before receiving full medical clearance in order to support his family.
He now faces upcoming surgeries related to the accident, which will again sideline him from work and add to the family’s growing financial strain.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the Padilla family during this difficult time. “Any amount will be greatly appreciated,” said Humphrey. “We’re asking the community to stand behind one of our own, just as Marcos has always stood up for others in their time of need.”
To donate or share the fundraiser, visit: https://gofund.me/96adebeb.