CHILLICOTHE, Mo. — An assistant fire chief died Wednesday after being found unresponsive while on medical leave.
Joe Darr, 62, an assistant fire chief with the Chillicothe Fire Department for 34 years, was transported to the hospital from a cause still to be determined, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
“He was a dedicated and caring member of the Chillicothe community and will be greatly missed by his family, fire shift crew, fire service colleagues, and many others who he positively impacted and mentored throughout his fire service career,” Chillicothe Fire Chief Darrell Wright told the Chillicothe News.
Chief Darr was first found unresponsive while working his shift and performing duties at the firehouse on August 17, according to the report. He was transported to the hospital and was released on medical leave. A few days later, he was airlifted to the hospital.
Nine area emergency response agencies escorted Chief Darr’s body from Kansas City to Chillicothe Wednesday.