Jason R. O’Brien

Cal Fire San Diego County Captain Jason R. O’Brien passed away on June 29, 2020 after battling job-related cancer.

O’Brien was born and raised in Escondido, California with his parents, younger brother and older sister. As a kid, he enjoyed riding bikes. As he grew older, he continued his love and rode ATV’s in the desert, along with spending time with his friends. O’Brien met his future wife, Charlotte, online and were inseparable from their first date on.

As a child, O’Brien watched Rescue 911 and often told his parents he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up. He joined Cal Fire San Diego County Firefighters of Local #2881 in 2003, and dedicated 17 years working his dream job. O’Brien enjoyed being on the fire line, the brother/sisterhood of the fire service and working with the inmate crews on and off the fire line. He was determined to be the best firefighter he could be and instill that goal in those he mentored. He also hoped to become a captain, which he achieved. He earned many achievements and accolades throughout his time of service, including working in the Cal Fire Department, the San Diego unit, Captain at McCain Valley Conservation Camp and Rainbow Conservation Camp. In March of 2018, O’Brien had a heart attack, and made a full recovery. He was then diagnosed with a fast spreading cancer that ultimately took his life.

Charlotte currently lives in Tennessee with her surviving three children. She enjoys the scenery of TN and the slower pace of life. She enjoys camping and road trips and is looking into volunteer opportunities for the Cal Fire Department and the 160th Soars (Night Stalkers) in the ARMY. In the future, Charlotte looks forward to watching her children grow up and keep the memory of their dad alive. She hopes to share her hobby of camping and road trips with her children in the future. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s donation of a mortgage-free home has helped the O’Brien Family to get back on their feet and feel reassured that they are being taken care of. Charlotte would like people to know that her husband was a very determined person who was handy and made sure his family was always taken care of. With the loss of their oldest son, Dakota, 2 years ago, it has taken a big toll on the family. The O’Brien family continues to support each other as they grieve and heal.

Cal Fire San Diego County Captain Jason R. O’Brien is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and his children, Ian, Kalub and Makayla, and his bonus son, Zachary. He is joined in heaven by his bonus son, Dakota. He also left behind his mother, Darlene, sister, Laurie, brother, Garrett, and grandson, Bentley.