Branciforte Fire shares service information for captain who died unexpectedly
SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (KION)
UPDATE 6/5/2020 4 p.m. The Branciforte Fire Protection District has shared service information for one of its Fire Captains who died unexpectedly.
The fire district said 48-year-old Captain Peder McElroy died while off duty with his family on May 30. He leaves behind a wife and four children.
McElroy was also a carpenter and Navy veteran, according to the fire district.
"Captain McElroy was a proven leader, selfless firefighter and EMT who worked diligently to serve our community. He was a good example of what firefighters aim to achieve – dedicated, kind, fun, generous and committed to the fire service. This positive influence will forever be felt throughout the Branciforte Fire Protection District and beyond," the fire district said in a social media post.
Services will be held for McElroy on June 13 at 11 a.m. at SkyPark, but because space is limited due to state guidelines, the family is encouraging those who want to watch to join by livestream.
The service will be streamed on the Branciforte Fire Protection District Facebook here and the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District Facebook page here.
The family does not have a reception planned right now, but it may happen in the future.
Anyone who wants to donate can use the following options:
- Funeral and memorial service expenses can be sent to the Branciforte Firefighters Association at 2711 Branciforte Dr., Santa Cruz, Ca 95065. Checks can also be dropped off at the Scotts Valley Fire District at 7 Erba Lane in Scotts Valley.
- The Peder McElroy Memorial Fund, care of Santa Cruz County Bank
- Donations for flowers going to the service and family can be ordered through The Flower Outlet. The shop can be contacted at 831-438-7055.
- Visit the GoFundMe here.
PREVIOUS STORY: A Captain with the Branciforte Fire Protection District died unexpectedly Saturday night, according to Scotts Valley Fire District.
Captain Peder McElroy was only 48 years old. He leaves behind a wife and four children. The fire district did not share his cause of death.
McElroy, described as a "proven leader, selfless firefighter and EMT" had been with the fire district for 22 years.
"His positive influence will forever be felt throughout the Branciforte Fire Protection District and beyond... Rest easy Captain Peder McElroy, we will take it from here," the Scotts Valley Fire District said in a social media post.
The fire district said information about a service will be released when it is available.
