Diego de Jesus Rivera

United States Forest Service Firefighter 1 Diego de Jesus Rivera has embraced hard work, helping others, and the thrill of the great outdoors throughout his life. With a desire to serve his community, Rivera joined the US Forest Service in the Spring of 2018 where he worked on various firefighting crews, including Lassen Hotshots and Little Tujunga Hotshots.  

Developing strong teamwork and leadership abilities was key for Rivera, allowing him to effectively lead and work with others under pressure. During his tenure with the fire department, he achieved the significant milestone of becoming the leader of a saw team, a role that demanded precision and leadership. Additionally, he mentored new members of the Little Tujunga Hotshots, guiding them in the art of felling trees and constructing lines with expertise and care.    

In August 2023, Rivera’s life changed in an instant. During an overnight assignment, the crew faced a spot fire outside of the control line. While constructing a saw line around the perimeter, a burning tree came down and struck Rivera over his helmet, causing catastrophic injuries. His crew removed the burning log and safely evacuated Rivera for emergency medical care. He sustained complete fractures of his C4 and C5 vertebrae that resulted in severe incomplete spinal cord injury at that cervical level.  

The road to recovery has been both physically and emotionally challenging, yet through it all, Rivera has drawn strength from the unwavering support of his family and loved ones. Their encouragement, combined with his determination and resilience, continues to fuel his recovery journey. 

Rivera credits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation with helping to restore his optimism about the future. The Foundation’s support has provided not only stability and an accessible home tailored to his needs, but also the freedom and confidence to focus on rebuilding his life and pursuing his goals.  

United States Forest Service Firefighter 1 Diego de Jesus Rivera wants others to know that even the most overwhelming challenges can be overcome through determination, hard work, and perseverance. His message is simple yet powerful: “Grow in the face of adversity. Never give up.” 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided United States Forest Service Firefighter 1 Diego de Jesus Rivera with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.