You can make a difference by donating to the Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund. See Ian's story below.

On Friday, February 27, 2026, Firefighter Paramedic Ian “Chongo” Funk had a traumatic spinal injury off-duty, in which he experienced a period of paralysis from the waist down. After being admitted into Mission Hospital, an MRI showed that Ian had an acute injury to the C5/C6 disk, and that displacement impinged on his spinal cord. Ian was diagnosed with Central Cord Syndrome with neurological deficits affecting his legs and arms bilaterally.

Ian had surgery on Sunday morning, where Dr. Hwang replaced his disintegrated disk with a ceramic device. The surgery went as well as it could have. However, the surgeon has been frank regarding Ian’s diagnosis and recovery expectations: this injury is one of the most significant Central Cord Syndrome injuries that he’s seen, Ian will likely not return to 100% of his baseline, and his recovery to “80-90% of normal function” will be at least 6-12 months. Additionally, he will be starting his journey from a new baseline of diminished extremity function, with significant nerve pain.

Ian and his wife Cristina have been constantly surrounded by close friends and family, and have been greatly supported by both the OCFA Benevolent Association and L3631, the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association. This injury necessitated immediate surgical intervention, and will require extensive continuing treatment and therapy. Ian will be in the hospital for several more days, and the immediate future is still being planned.

Ian would be the first in line to help a friend or colleague in need. He and his family are facing an incredibly challenging journey towards a new normal, and we are hoping to supplement that journey as intentionally and as generously as possible. Please consider joining Ian and his family in this new and scary endeavor.

The Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund is supported by OC citizens, businesses, and employees of the OCFA, it has stepped up with instant relief to ease the grief and hardship of catastrophic losses. The Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable trust.

Thank you for your support.