Firefighter Matthew “Clappy” Clapsaddle proudly served the Ventura Fire Department for 28 years, driven by a lifelong dedication to helping others. A true force of nature with an unforgettable personality, Clappy had an uncanny ability to bring his crew together, light up the station with his iconic humor, and leave an indelible mark on everyone he met. His decorated career was defined by immense passion—from serving as one of the department's first paramedics and earning prestigious life-saving honors, to pushing himself through relentless dedication to earn his place on the Ocean Rescue Team. Matthew deeply loved his faith, his wife Jen, his son, and the ocean. Though he passed away from a cardiac event, his inspiring legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, his fire department brothers and sisters, and the annual "Clappy" tribute that honors his unbreakable spirit.

Captain John Duff served the Ventura City Fire Department with honor and dedication for more than three decades. Hired in 1981, he promoted to Engineer in 1991 and Captain in 1997. A proud member of the Honor Guard and Station 5B, John was instrumental in bringing Ventura its first tiller truck, helping develop modern truck company tactics, and advancing the department’s Urban Search and Rescue capability.

John was among the department’s first water rescue technicians, a leader in hazardous materials response, and a committed member of the USAR team. He led with high expectations, deep responsibility, and genuine care for those under his command.

Captain John Duff died in 2025 from job-related cancer. His legacy endures through the firefighters he mentored and the department he helped shape.

Nick was born in Wimbledon, England, and worked as a Jaguar mechanic before joining the Ventura City Fire Department. He proudly took ownership of the department’s 1919 fire engine, restoring it on his own time and with his own money. Today, that engine stands in his honor inside Red Engine Brewery.

After returning from a hiking trip in Mammoth, Nick began experiencing abdominal pain and was quickly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away just a month later, only days after retiring. Known as the classic “salty old engineer,” Nick brought skill, grit, and character to every station he served.

Andrews ,46, died Oct. 31 after battling cancer.

Andrews, was an 18-year member of the Ventura Fire Department and president of the Ventura City Firefighters, Local 3431.

He was born March 13, 1953, in Burbank and was a 1971 graduate of Ventura High School.

He had lived in Oak View outside Ojai for several years. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Back Country Horseman, the Ojai Gun Club and Los Grande Riders of Arroyo Grande.

He is survived by two children, Hadley, and Katie, both of Oak View; his sister, Chris Byrne of Portland, Oregon, his longtime companion, Lisa Huff of Ventura; and his ex-wife, Connie Andrews, also of Oak View.

Born in 1931, Captain Ray Martin, Sr. joined the department in 1959 and faithfully served his community for 28 years. He retired in 1987 and sadly passed away that same year from a heart attack during his first year of retirement. Crews responded to his home on Mara Avenue, where he was found unresponsive.

Captain Martin’s name was added to the memorial wall in 1991 in honor of his years of dedicated service and commitment to protecting others.