By Leila Merrill
SAN DIEGO — Firefighter-Paramedic Nickolas Ramirez died Wednesday of complications of COVID-19, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department announced Friday.
He was days away from retiring, NBC 7 reported.
Ramirez joined the department in 2003 and was promoted to deputy fire marshal in the Community Risk Reduction Division. He was known for his strong work ethic and quick wit, the department said.
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“He was a great guy, excellent firefighter, the kind of guy that you could trust, count on to get the job done,” said his friend Mitch Mendler.
“His last shift was supposed to be just a couple of days after he checked into the hospital and never came home,” said Mendler.
“Nick absolutely loved the fire service and was an outstanding paramedic. He took his responsibility of patient care very seriously and exhibited an exceptional work ethic,” a Facebook post from the department reads.
His wife and daughters were with him when he passed away, the department said.