Huge.
That was the word Lexington Fire Chief Paul Jarrett used to describe his friend, Capt. Ronnie Metcalf, who died of injuries sustained in a house fire last week.
"He was a huge part of our department. He was a huge person. He was a huge personality, and we’re going to miss him,” the chief said.
Metcalf served for over 30 years as a firefighter, 19 of those with the Lexington Fire Department, WXII reported.
"He lit up a room when he came in. He never met a stranger, and that’s why he was such a good firefighter. That’s why he was such a good captain as he was always willing to do and he put others first. It was always about someone else," Jarrett said.
Metcalf was with a crew in a house fire when conditions worsened, and they were ordered to evacuate. Others made it out. He didn't.
Jarrett said Metcalf was always happy, always had a smile on his face and was willing to help out. Whatever the job or task was, he was there.
“He had a huge heart, and he was all heart. He was a great person to be around."
News of Metcalf's ultimate sacrifice spread far and wide. Firefighters and departments across the country have sent messages and condolences which means a lot to his colleagues.
"To know that we had someone that worked here that was so well liked across the community and so well known across the community, that’s important too. It says a lot about Ronnie and who he was as a person."
Visitation will be held Friday, April 5 from 12 to 6 p.m. at Hillside Park Baptist Church on East Holly Grove Road in Thomasville.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Mount Zion Wesleyan Church in Thomasville. The service will be live-streamed.
