A longtime firefighter who served two Alabama communities died Friday while operating a wildland fire.
Driver Engineer Larry Harbin, 65, from the Lynn Fire Department, collapsed while operating at the scene.
Crews from Lynn Fire Department and Regional Paramedic Service began treating Harbin and he was taken to Lakeland Community Hospital where he died, according to a post on Lynn Fire Department's Facebook page.
“His loss is going to be felt for a very long time,” Lynn Fire Chief Tim Harris told CBS42.com. “I know those shoes will never be replaced and they’re going to be very hard ones to come close to fill.”
Prior to joining the Lynn Fire Department, Harbin served with the Delmar Fire Department for two decades.
“I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t want to believe it,” Delmar Fire Chief Ray Cantrell told the television station. “The thing that made it easy for me was that he went out doing that he enjoyed doing. He went out with his boots on.”
"We ask that everyone please pray for Larry's sons, their spouses, and his grandchildren. Larry will surely be missed," Lynn Fire Department wrote.
