I met Javier in the CAL FIRE Company Officers Academy in 2025, and he has truly changed my life—and the lives of generations to come. He has an incredible soul and a selfless heart, and he deserves far more support than he would ever ask for himself.

Javier Gamboa has dedicated his career to serving and protecting others as a firefighter/engineer with CAL FIRE in the Riverside Unit. Recently, Javier suffered a detached retina and had to undergo emergency eye surgery. While the surgery was necessary, the recovery process is uncertain and may keep him away from the job he loves for an extended period of time. There is also the difficult possibility that Javier may not be able to return to work that he loves.

Javier is not only a dedicated firefighter, but also a devoted husband and father. He and his wife Ana, who works in Human Resources for a local school, are raising four wonderful children: Javier II (13), Emilia (10), Sofia (8), and Julieta (6). Like many families, they rely on both parents working hard to support their household.

This unexpected medical situation brings financial uncertainty as Javier focuses on healing and determining what the future holds for his career. Those who know Javier know that he is someone who is always the first to step up and help others in their time of need.

Now it’s our turn to support him and his family.

Any donation, big or small, will help relieve financial stress during this difficult time and allow Javier to focus on recovery and being there for his wife and children. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page and keeping Javier and his family in your thoughts and prayers is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for supporting the Gamboa family.