A Colorado fire chief died after suffering a heart attack at an accident scene earlier this month, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Nucla Naturita Fire Protection District Chief Chester Riley, 57, was part of the response of a vehicle accident March 20, the federal agency stated in an alert Wednesday. While he was at the scene, Riley suffered a fatal heart attack.
"Chester left us on the scene of an MVA, doing what his heart has guided him to do his entire life; helping others," the fire district stated in an online post. "Chief Riley gave of himself in the service of others his entire life, (and was) always there to help those in need.
With heavy hearts, we're announcing the passing of our Fire Chief, Chester Riley. Chester left us on the scene of an...
Posted by Nucla Naturita FireDept on Sunday, March 21, 2021
"Chester may not have been loved by everyone, but he had love for everyone. Rest in peace, chief. You've served your fellow man with dignity and honor."
Riley is survived by his wife, son, three daughters, father, and two brothers. A procession was held in honor of Riley on Friday, and Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags lowered to half-staff through Thursday.
