FEDERAL WAY, Wash. --
Thousands of people, including firefighters from around the Northwest and their families gathered to remember one of their own.
East Pierce Fire and Rescue Chief Dan Packer was honored Thursday after he was killed battling wildfires in northern California.
More than 150 fire engines took part in the procession from the Puyallup Fairgrounds to the Christian Faith Center in Federal Way for a memorial service.
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Firefighters from across the state and Oregon arrived to pay tribute to the 49-year-old from Lake Tapps, their badges covered with a black band signifying that a fellow firefighter was killed in the line of duty.
At the church, two fire engines raised their ladders in an arch holding a large American flag.
Chief Packer was overtaken when winds shifted and blew fire over him in the Klamath National Forest on July 26.
Packer was born in Montana, riding bulls and roping cattle, and then moved to Seattle.
Packer had 27 years of experience fighting fires. He spent the first half of his firefighting career in Burien and then became a chief in Bonney Lake -- where he helped merge several departments into East Pierce Fire and Rescue. Up until last month, he also served as the President of the Washington State Fire Chiefs.
He was a beloved firefighter in the South Sound and a legend among other firefighters for his commanding presence and care for others.
"People came around Dan Packer to accomplish great things," said John McDonald, Deputy Chief of East Pierce Fire and Rescue.
Packer was also remembered as a family man devoted to his wife, four daughters and two grandchildren.
"Dad loved his job, loved his men and loved us and we believe that if he had been given a chance in how he could leave this world, he wouldn't have chosen any other way," said Katrina Packer.
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