Daniel Hoover-Najera, 20, Firefighter, Engine 57 San Jacinto Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest

Daniel told his mother he loved putting his whole heart into his newfound career as a firefighter for the USDA Forest Service.

Daniel, 20, died along with four of his Engine 57 crewman as a result of battling the Esperanza Fire near Beaumont that started Oct. 26.

The youngest of the five, he thrived on the teamwork and buddy system philosophy that came with the dangers of firefighting. He loved the outdoors and was very close to his family, who described him as kindhearted and giving. He was engaged to be married.

Daniel graduated from Mountain View High School and was nearing the close of his second season as a firefighter.

When he was off-duty, he enjoyed developing his skateboarding skills, music, playing video games with his brother, teasing his sister and spending time with his family and friends.