AR Fire Department: Chief Passes Away

West Memphis Fire Chief Dennis Brewer has died, the Arkansas department announced Sunday. He was 55.

"Chief was a fighter, even during the toughest times, his loyalty and dedication to the department and the city of West Memphis never wavered," the fire department said in an online statement. "He loved being a Fire Chief, a father, and a husband."

The department did not give a cause of death. Funeral arrangements also are pending.

Brewer was a veteran of the fire service for nearly 30 years, according to the department. He was appointed chief by Mayor Marco McClendon and replaced Wayne Gately, who retired in December 2018.