Funeral services were held Monday for fallen Porterville Fire Captain Ramon "Ray" Figueroa in Delano.

Hundreds attended the services which started at the Saint Mary's Catholic Church at 10 a.m.

Figueroa, along with Porterville firefighter Patrick Jones, were killed in the line of duty while battling a fire at the Porterville Library.

Cartlon Jones, an engineer with the Fresno Fire Department, said Figueroa dedicated his life to his job.

"To the fire world, Ray was that guy that after basketball practice would stay after practice and shoot around for four hours," Jones said. "He was that dedicated to the job."

A procession made its way from the church to the North Kern Cemetery District at 627 Austin Street, where Figueroa was laid to rest.

His father, Ramon Figueroa, said Ray's death was something he had to prepare for, even when Ray was still alive.

"It hurts deep down inside, but knowing that's the profession he decided to take, I had to prepare myself that one day we might receive news like the tragedy that has occurred."

A joint memorial service is scheduled for both Figueroa and Jones on Friday at the Porterville Church of the Nazarene at 2005 W. Olive in Porterville. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m.