A former Naval pilot, Lt. Jerold Albert Bonner began his career in the fire service with CAL FIRE in April of 1999 as a pilot with the Santa Clara Unit, where he went on to serve the entirety of his firefighting career. Jerold served the citizens of California with honor and distinction for 16 years and served in rescue pilot roles with the Navy and the National Park Service. While on duty at the CAL FIRE Alma Helitack Base, Jerold succumbed to the effects of job-related heart disease. He is survived by his wife, Emma, his children, Christian and Elizabeth, his sister, Nancy, and his stepchildren, Billie, Kirk, Anthony and Jonnie.