Gary Kuhl

Firefighter Gary Kuhl of the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, California, passed away on December 10, 2019, from occupational Lyme Disease. He contracted the disease, which left him wheelchair bound, while fighting a vegetation fire. He was 55 years old and had served since 1997. 

Kuhl grew up in Los Angeles, with his adoptive parents and sister. They were a close Italian family in Southern California.  He lived in Whittier, California, through high school. Gary became interested in firefighting when his high school teacher encouraged him to visit a fire station. He began doing volunteer work at the station and his admiration for the profession grew. He enjoyed the action-oriented aspect of the job while being able to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Kuhl became a reserve firefighter in 1997 and a professional firefighter in 1999. He served 15 years until his retirement in July 2014, due to his medical condition. His last assignment with Orange County was at Fire Station 31, B Shift. Throughout his career, he had many memorable experiences, including fighting Wildlife fires outside the county. He was proud to be able to save property and, more importantly, to save lives. He had a bond with his crew, and they remained friends for the rest of his life.  

Kuhl met his future wife, Rebecca, through mutual friends. They had so much in common, such as life goals, hobbies and interests. They married and shared three children: Steven, and twins, Gavin and Sierra. Steven has now become a firefighter/paramedic for the same agency as his dad, following in his footsteps and continuing his legacy. His youngest son, Gavin, completed his Fire Science and EMT programs while in high school, with the plan of becoming a firefighter when he graduates from college. Sierra is attending SDSU, majoring in Public Health with a goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. She would like to help others and serve the community, like her father. Kuhl was a hard-working, dedicated family man who loved his family and his career. He lived a life of service to his community and touched the lives of many people along the way. 

Firefighter Gary Kuhl is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca, their three children, Steven, Gavin and Sierra, and many cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Kuhl family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.