Adolfo (Al) Huerta retired from the Fillmore Fire Department in December 2020.

Al began as a volunteer firefighter on March 1, 1983 until September 1992, when he was hired as Fillmore’s first Fire Captain.

During his tenure Al served on numerous committees, such as the Fillmore Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coordinator and Spanish instructor for the Santa Clara Valley. Al provided C.P.R. instructions for the community, and Fire Safety Instruction for all pre-school and elementary school students of Fillmore. He could be seen promoting the Fillmore Fire Department at Career Day events and speaking to individual classes about the merits of volunteer service. Al protected the citizens of Fillmore in some of the largest fires the area has experienced, and saved many lives performing rescues during the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

Al also served as Vice President of the Fillmore Lions Club, as a member of the Fillmore Youth Task Force, and a Director Secretary of the Fillmore-Piru Boys and Girls Cub.

He is perhaps best known for his ever-pleasant demeanor, his easy-going attitude and warm smile, which has been a comfort to so many in the community in times of critical need and personal crisis.

Al was the epitome of dedicated service, answering 911 calls, and responding to medical, fire and traffic collision emergencies as needed, 24/7.

He was named Fillmore Firefighter of the Year in 2000.

Al was born in 1954 in Cueneo, Michoacán, Mexico to Salvador and Rosario Huerta, and came to Fillmore at the age of 13 on a student visa to live with his grandmother Guadalupe Rangel.

He graduated from Fillmore High School in 1974, and during his years at FHS loved to play soccer and run track, where he established the FHS mile record in 1972--a record which held for 15 years. Upon graduation, Al went to work for veterinarian Dr. Charles Nelson, serving as a veterinarian's assistant for 17 years. During this time Al became a member of the Fillmore Fire Department.

Congratulations on a job well done Al!!