An Iowa volunteer fire department is saying farewell to a colleague today.
Barnes City Fire Capt. Gary DeCook, 66, died on Saturday, hours after he participated in a detail at his station.
DeCook, who had been with the department for 17 years, was always ready to respond to the community's needs, fire officials told The Oskaloosa Herald.
Fellow firefighters said earlier in the day, DeCook helped with cleaning detail at the station.
“I can actually remember the night he came to the fire department … to ask to be on the department,” said DeCook’s fellow firefighter, Marvin Freeborn. “I think he wanted to be a community person and to serve people.”
The fire department profiled DeCook on its Facebook Page in April. "Gary says he joined the fire service to help his community and still feels strongly about his passion! Thank you for your years of service and passion!"
