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Master Technician Raul Perla, a veteran Fairfax County firefighter and international disaster responder, died Thursday, March 5, 2026, from occupational cancer. His death was classified as occurring in the line of duty.
Perla joined Fairfax County Fire and Rescue as a member of Recruit Class 91 in 1996. During nearly 28 years with the department, he became a longtime member of its urban search and rescue and technical rescue operations teams.
He deployed to 12 disasters in the United States and abroad. Perla also gained international recognition as an urban search and rescue instructor, served on the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team, and led simulated disaster exercises around the world.
He retired from the Fairfax department in December 2023.
Perla’s public service also included a lengthy career in the United States Navy. He entered the Navy in 1986 and rose to senior chief petty officer while serving with the Seabees. He completed two combat tours in the Middle East before retiring from military service in 2012.
Remembered as a leader, mentor and friend, Perla lived by the motto “Others Before Self.”
He is survived by his wife, Jill, and daughters, Summer and Sage, along with extended family and friends.