Flags in Mifflin and Snyder counties in Pennsylvania are flying at half-mast today in honor of a volunteer firefighter who died in the line of duty Saturday.
Denny Hayes, 59, a member of McClure Volunteer Fire Co., was about to start operating the pump panel on the engine when he collapsed. He was treated by paramedics on the scene and rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
His fire company was on a mutual aid call for a working trailer fire in nearby Decatur Township when he collapsed.
Hayes, a 10-year member, was the one firefighters went to for many jobs. "He would do anything for anyone. He was that kind of guy," said Rick Smith, another firefighter.
He is the first person in the small company to die in the line of duty. Smith said the department has received messages and e-mails from many in the fire service.
Visitation will be held at the Aurand Funeral home in Beavertown on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wedensday at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Specht Street, McClure.
Fire companies planning to attend should e-mail the fire company.
Donations for the Hayes family can be sent to McClure Fire Co. P.O. Box 260 McClure, PA 17841
