Missing California Fire Captain Found Dead

APPLE VALLEY – The Apple Valley fire captain who went missing on May 28 was found dead in his car Saturday, authorities said Monday.

A hiker stumbled upon a body in a vehicle sitting in a field around the Rodman Mountains Wilderness area off of Camp Rock Road around noon, said San Bernardino County sheriff’s spokeswoman Jodi Miller.

Deputies responded and identified the body as Cullumber.

Miller said coroner’s officials will perform an autopsy but that there was no sign of foul play.

The incident has shaken the Apple Valley Fire Protection District.

“He was a senior captain with the department as well as being well liked and respected by all,” Chief Art Bishop said.

“This leaves an emotional hole within the department. He will be tremendously and truly missed.”

Bishop said Cullumber was an extremely hard and dedicated worker.

“Not only was he a leader with the AVFPD, but he was a nurse at Loma Linda University Medical Center, too,” Bishop said. “He was a longtime resident of Apple Valley and was extremely active in his community.”

Cullumber’s family and the fire district are coordinating efforts to put together a memorial service to remember his life, not his death.

Anyone with information about Cullumber’s death can call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-245-4211 or the WeTip hotline at 800-78-CRIME (27463).