Paddle Out to remember Cal Fire Captain David Lutz

CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION) Dozens of people came out to Capitola Beach Friday, as the sun set, to celebrate the life of Cal Fire Captain David Lutz.

The "paddle out" started at 7:30 p.m. and included many of Lutz's fellow firefighters. The group put this event together to "celebrate the life of David Lutz and his passion for surfing."

"I can't imagine him going a shift off-duty without surfing," Lutz's former Fire Captain, Stuart Carlson said.

"He was most at-peace with the water," engineer Mark Dramis said. "I surfed with him for years. It was something he loved and something that we all love to do."

Friends of all ages were in attendance, but not everyone was able to make it to the paddle out.

"We're missing one person," Fire Captain Jared Koos said. "That's his wife, Tisha. She couldn't be here because she had her baby just a few hours ago."

The memorial service for Captain Lutz was held on Wednesday. In a Facebook post, the Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz unit writes, "Confident, competent, and a true friend, Captain Lutz set the example of what it means to be a leader. He was passionate about his family and the fire service. Though he leaves behind many broken hearts, he also inspires us to look at those around us with fresh appreciation, and to face our challenges with strength."

Lutz died in June after a hiking accident at Pfeiffer Burns State Park. He was 33 years old.

Lutz is survived by his wife Tisha, step-daughter Alyssa, daughter Bailey and son Caleb. Tasha is currently expecting the couple's third child together.

KION's Shannon Longworth reports from the paddle out Friday at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.