Sacramento, CA…Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Heavy Equipment Operator Braden Varney: “Anne and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Heavy Equipment Operator Braden Varney, a man who dedicated his life to protecting his fellow Californians. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and many colleagues who are mourning this sudden and tragic loss.”

Heavy Equipment Operator Varney, 36, died today while fighting the Ferguson Fire on the Sierra National Forest. He was a second generation CAL FIRE employee and 10-year veteran of CAL FIRE.

Heavy Equipment Operator Varney is survived by his wife, Jessica, five-year-old daughter, Malhea and three-year-old son, Nolan.

In honor of Heavy Equipment Operator Varney, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

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