After working various jobs, Mary K. Blaul decided her calling was with the fire service. She graduated from the Orange County Fire Department Career Academy in 1985, completed paramedic training in 1988 and worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Orange County Fire Authority for 27 years. During her career, she worked on numerous Engines and Paramedic units and responded to many major incidents including the Laguna and Malibu Fires. Outside of work, Mary loved sailing, all ocean sports, underwater photography, traveling and spending time with her family. In August of 2017, Mary succumbed to the effects of job-related cancer. She is survived by her husband, retired OCFA Deputy Chief Ron Blaul, and her children, Jeremy, Jeff and Jacquelyn.