Former Charleston Chief Tom Carr died at his home Wednesday night surrounded by his family and friends.
Carr, 59, had been suffering from Parkinson's.
He accepted the white helmet in Charleston in November 2008 when firefighters were grieving the loss of nine brothers lost in a fire at a Sofa Super Store.
Mayor Joe Riley told local reporters: “Chief Thomas Carr was a great man who left a profound legacy. His implementation of automatic aid in our region was transformative. He was an innovator in the fire service and made a great impact in our region.”
Carr retired from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue to take the helm in Charleston, and help the firefighters move forward.
He retired in 2011 as the disease started taking its toll.
Carr started in the fire and rescue service in Montgomery County in 1978 as a paramedic/firefighter. He previously volunteered at Bethesda Chevy Chase (BCC) Rescue Squad where he is a life member. He was later named the county's first chief.
A memorial service is set to be held at 2 p.m. Monday in St. Michael's Church in Charleston.
