Timothy David Rodriguez Jr.

CAL FIRE Captain Timothy David Rodriguez Jr. passed away on August 6, 2023 in a helicopter collision while fighting a wildfire.

Rodriguez was born and raised in California alongside his sisters. Throughout his childhood, he loved to ride bikes, play video games, and was an avid snowboarder. While snowboarding on one occasion, Rodriguez broke his wrist and later met his future wife, Dorothy, at the doctor’s office. After sharing a connection, the pair began their relationship and were later married.

Rodriguez was born with a passion to help others. While in high school, he was a volunteer firefighter and realized he loved being a first responder. He officially became a firefighter in 2002 and loved every minute of it; fighting fires, helping people, and flying in helicopters. Throughout his career, Rodriguez had racked up many accomplishments, including helping to train the National Guard on how to drop water on fires. While attempting to put out a fire in Cabazon, California, Rodriguez tragically lost his life in a helicopter collision. He passed away doing what he loved most.

Dorothy currently resides in California and enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding. In the future, she is excited for her children to bring their own children into the world and be an amazing grandmother to them. Dorothy is grateful to Tunnel to Towers for allowing her the opportunity to remain in the home she and her husband chose prior to his premature passing. Finally, she would like others to know that her husband was a hard worker and poured unconditional love into those around him. He was a gift to those who knew him and is severely missed.

CAL FIRE Captain Timothy David Rodriguez Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, his children, his parents, Tim and Mary, his daughter-in-law, Unique, and his sister, Erin.

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