Canyon Lake family mourns loss of hero

Jonathan “Jon” Flagler

On January 6, 2022 the world became a little darker. Firefighter Jonathan “Jon” Flagler was tragically killed in the line of duty battling a house fire in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Jon was a 21-year firefighter veteran who loved his job and had a zest for life. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, uncle and friend. To know him was to love him. He was a constant jokester and had an infectious smile that would light up a room.

Jon was only 47 years old and is survived by his wife Jenny and his two sons Brody, 14, and Jack, 12. His mother-in-law and father-in-law Dwight and Cindy Johnson are longtime 40-plus-year residents of Canyon Lake. Jenny was born and raised in Canyon Lake with her sister Tracy.

After graduating from Temescal Canyon High School, Jenny attended college at Long Beach State University where she met the love of her life. She and Jon eventually settled in San Clemente, but would often come out to the lake and enjoy the perks of her childhood. They frequently utilized the lake and the boat with the boys at Jenny’s childhood home.

This is a devastating loss for the Flagler, Johnson and Hernandez families as they attempt to navigate how to move forward after losing “their rock.”

A memorial service will be held Friday, Jan. 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos to honor this heroic man. A donation page (lacfirebw.com) has been set up to help Jenny and the boys in this difficult time.

Please keep this beautiful family in your thoughts and prayers as Jon paid the ultimate sacrifice. His bravery and courage will never be forgotten.a