Gino “Rick” Zeni, Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) firefighter of Fire Station 125 in Battalion 5 who assisted the Malibu Search and Rescue Team (Malibu SAR) on numerous occasions, has died. Zeni passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 16 at the age of 49, according to a social media post by Malibu SAR.
Zeni served the LACoFD for over 12 years and previously served as a lifeguard and firefighter for Ventura County. He worked with Malibu SAR on several rescues over the years, most recently aiding SAR and LASD personnel in extricating a driver from a vehicle that drove off a cliff this past August.
A memorial service took place on Monday, Oct. 26.
The Monday, Oct. 26 Malibu City Council meeting was adjourned in his honor.