Hi, my name is Jason Smith, I work for Ventura County Fire Telecommunications Division. Our Custodian, Jorge Hernandez – Flores provides custodial services for the following divisions of Ventura County Fire Dept. - HQ, FCC, TRAINING, EMS, SHOP, ANNEX and TELECOM Divisions.

While visiting his ill mother in Mexico on December 8th 2022, Jorge too fell ill with an appendicitis. Jorge’s appendix ruptured and resulted in sepsis, leading him to have emergency surgery in order to clean out the infection and be flushed with antibiotics. After two weeks in the hospital, Jorge was released to recover, while remaining in Mexico. Unfortunately, Jorge got sick during his recovery from his surgery, developing a cough that caused his stitches to fail which put him back in the hospital again.

Jorge’s wife/partner Nancy has been working not only her shifts at VCFD but also Jorge’s shifts to make sure all is covered. They have a 12-year-old daughter named Michelle. Nancy rushes home on her lunch break to tend to her daughter and spend some time with her in between, leaving her again to get back to work. Jorge and Nancy have been a part of the VCFD family for about 5 years providing custodial services to HQ, FCC, TRAINING, EMS, SHOP, ANNEX and TELECOM Divisions.

As many of you have learned over the years, Jorge is a good man. A hard worker who cares deeply for his family and friends. Jorge’s medical issues and absence have put a heavy strain on him and his family during the last month. Our goal is to ease some of the financial burden for the Hernandez Family due to Jorge’s unforeseen medical issues and his ongoing inability to work and provide for his family.

Thank you for assisting Jorge and his family.

Jason