CHILLICOTHE, Mo. — Hundreds gathered Monday in honor of an assistant fire chief that died last week.
St. Joe Channel reported that the Lindley Funeral Home was surrounded by 13 American Flags in honor of Chillicothe’s Fire Department Assistant Chief Joe Darr. Chief Darr, 62, died last Wednesday after being found unresponsive while on medical leave.
“He’s loved by the community, by many people. He’s mentored numerous firefighters and emergency medical technicians and paramedics through his career, and he means a lot to a lot of folks. We’re wanting to make sure we give the respect and honor to man that deserves it,” said Corey Sloan.
Chief Darr was with the department for 34 years and was first found unresponsive while working his shift and performing duties at the firehouse on August 17, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
He was transported to the hospital and was released on medical leave. A few days later, he was airlifted to the hospital.
“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.