Flags at fire stations in Johnston County are at half mast in honor of a beloved firefighter who died in a firehouse Monday.
Firefighter Chris Daniels, 40, was found unresponsive in Pine Level Fire Company when he failed to respond to a call. Earlier he had been on a run.
Daniels was a full-time firefighter, serving as Engineer/Acting Captain with the Smithfield Fire Department, as well as working part-time with the Pine Level, Thanksgiving and Selma Fire Departments.
He had previously served three years as assistant chief of the Selma Fire Department.
Kim Robertson Director of Johnston County Emergency Services told reporters: “Every time you saw him, he had a smile on his face. He was one of the most pleasant people I’ve ever know. He was always willing to help out.”
“Everyone is in shock about his death,” said Kenly Fire Chief Paul Whitehurst. “He was a great firefighter. He was a verydedicated individual. He served with a servant's heart.
Daniels' turnout coat and helmet were placed outside Smithfield Fire Department.
