Stockton police, firefighters propose naming new library for two fallen heroes

Hannah Workman, The Record
Updated ·3 min read

As construction on the Northeast Stockton Library and Community Center nears completion, city officials are asking community members for recommendations on what to name the new facility.

While several suggestions have come in, one has stood out.

The Stockton Professional Firefighters and the Stockton Police Officers Association recently released two open letters, suggesting the city name the new library at 1461 E. Morada Lane "The Jimmy Inn & Max Fortuna Memorial Library."

Both men were killed in the line of duty.

Stockton Fire Department Capt. Max Fortuna
Stockton Fire Department Capt. Max Fortuna

It's been more than a year since Stockton Fire Capt. Vidal "Max" Fortuna, 47, was shot and killed while responding to a call of a dumpster fire at Aurora and Washington streets, near Independence Park.

Stockton Engine Company 2 was working to battle the fire at about 4:45 a.m. on Jan. 31, 2022, when gunshots rang out. Fortuna was struck. He was rushed to San Joaquin County Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

"Capt. Fortuna made a lasting impression on anyone he met," said Mario Gardea, president of Stockton Professional Firefighters Local 456. "Between his infectious laugh and charismatic smile, people were drawn to him. Capt. Fortuna helped to create a legacy for future firefighters to aspire towards."

Fortuna was a 21-year veteran of the force. He left behind his wife and two children.

A jury found Robert Sommerville — who had a business near the fire — guilty of second-degree murder and discharging a firearm causing Fortuna's death.

Officer Jimmy Inn, a graduate of Ronald E. McNair High School and San Joaquin Delta College Post Academy, was also known for being well-liked by community members and fellow police officers.

Jimmy Inn, right, is handed a certificate of appointment by Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones. Inn was one of 18 new police officers welcomed to the Stockton Police Department during a ceremony July 18, 2016, at the Stewart Eberhardt Building in downtown Stockton.
Jimmy Inn, right, is handed a certificate of appointment by Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones. Inn was one of 18 new police officers welcomed to the Stockton Police Department during a ceremony July 18, 2016, at the Stewart Eberhardt Building in downtown Stockton.

"Officer Inn was known for his always great attitude, his impressions of his partner officers, his immense sense of humor, and his willingness to help others," said Patrick High, president of the Stockton Police Officers Association.

The Stockton police officer was responding to a fight between family members in the 4400 block of La Cresta Way on May 11, 2021, when he was shot by 30-year-old Lance Lowe. Lowe was a convicted felon on parole, according to police.

Moments after shooting Inn, Lowe can be seen strangling an 8-year-old boy in body camera footage released by the Stockton Police Department. The boy was later identified to be Lowe's son. A community member tackled Lowe, freeing the boy, and officer Pancho Freer — Inn's partner — shot Lowe multiple times.

Inn and Lowe died after being rushed to local hospitals.

Inn, who was hired by the Stockton Police Department in December 2015, was just 30 years old at the time of his death. He was a new father and left behind a newborn and two stepchildren.

"His loss will forever be felt by his coworkers, friends, family, and the community. Officer Inn created a legacy of service that exemplified what it is to be a police officer," High said.

"I, on behalf of the entire Stockton Police Officers Association, wholeheartedly support the naming of the proposed North Stockton library in Officer Inn's honor. A library is a place of peace, solitude, and learning ... it is fitting that Officer Inn's name be forever etched on such a place."

Work continues on the Northeast Stockton Library and Community Center on West Lane and Ronald E. McNair Way in Stockton on June 8, 2023. The $14.5 Million construction project, made possible by funding from Strong Communities Initiative, was approved by the Stockton City Council in 2020 and work began in March 2021.
Work continues on the Northeast Stockton Library and Community Center on West Lane and Ronald E. McNair Way in Stockton on June 8, 2023. The $14.5 Million construction project, made possible by funding from Strong Communities Initiative, was approved by the Stockton City Council in 2020 and work began in March 2021.

Gardea echoed High's sentiments.

"The loss of Capt. Fortuna and Officer Inn have left holes, not only in their respective departments, but in the community," Gardea said. "Naming the library after these two brave men would serve as a constant reminder to the community of their sacrifice and dedication."

Construction on the facility began in March 2021 and is expected to be completed this summer.

The city is accepting nomination forms for the naming of the new library and community center until 5:30 p.m. on June 16.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton police, firefighters propose naming new library for fallen heroes