Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighter Andrew Pontious was killed in an explosion in Littlerock, June 14, 2024. at a Littlerock quarry is being mourned this weekend by Los Angeles County officials, law enforcement and fire agencies and private citizens.
Los Angeles County firefighters salute a coroner’s van transporting Andrew Pontious, who was killed when a portion of a burning front-loader exploded at a quarry Friday Littlerock CA, June 14, 2024. Late Friday, a procession of first responders escorted Pontious’ body from the 6500 block of E Avenue, at the Rock Quarry near the Pearblossom Highway, to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office.
Marrone said Pontious was stationed in Palmdale and described him as a “wonderful man. He was married. He’s a father. It’s just such a tragedy.” Homicide and arson investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are overseeing the investigation. Other tributes were shared by the California Professional Firefighters, the Glendale Fire Department, the Barstow Fire Protection District and dozens of other law enforcement agencies and private citizens.