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A south Carolina Fire Department is mourning the loss of two personnel who died on consecutive days due to COVID-19 complications.

According to Facebook posts from the Columbia Fire Department, chaplain Billie Bright and Battalion Chief Joseph Desso both succumbed to the deadly virus earlier this week in a span of about 36 hours.

Bright served the fire department beginning in 1998 as a firefighter and eventually earned the rank of captain before retiring in 2010. According to the post, he still felt the call to serve following his retirement and was appointed chaplain shortly afterward. He passed away Sunday morning.

"As our Chaplain he worked tirelessly to provide spiritual and emotional support to our firefighters and members of our community during their darkest hours," the department said.

Desso was a member of the department for nearly 25 years and rose through the ranks until becoming battalion chief in 2017. He died on Monday evening.

"Throughout his career Chief Desso worked to shape firefighters and future leaders of CRFD," the department said. "(His) dedication and service to our community will never be forgotten."