It is with great sorrow that we mourn the loss of Retired Firefighter Joshua Tapia as the result of a tragic auto/pedestrian accident that occurred on October 8, 2024, on Highway 52 near Purman Ave. in Fort Lupton. Firefighter Tapia passed away from his injuries early in the morning of October 9, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital. The driver of the vehicle that apparently struck Firefighter Tapia remained at the scene and called 911. Our firefighters responded to the accident and rendered immediate aid along with Platte Valley Ambulance Service.

Firefighter Tapia had just retired from the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District one year ago on September 11, 2023, with 20 years of proudly serving the citizens of Fort Lupton. He was also employed as a Deputy Sheriff with the Adams County Sheriff's Office for over 25 years.

Retired Firefighter Tapia was a caring husband and loving father to four children. Service to his community was his calling and he never wavered in his commitment to his duties or his family. He truly loved serving his community both as a firefighter and in law enforcement.

We pray for the comfort of his family during this difficult time and our hearts hurt from this loss. We ask our community to respect the privacy of the family and the District during this time as we all are grieving.