Andrew “Andy” Valenta knew he wanted to be a firefighter early in life and joined the Fire Explorer program with the Escondido Fire Department in 2006. In 2013, Andy received the Vista Fire Department’s highest honor - Firefighter of the Year. He was known for his professionalism, positive attitude, customer service, and for his hard work. Andy succumbed to the effects of job-related cancer in 2021. He leaves behind his wife and his two young daughters.