LEXINGTON, N.C. — The City of Lexington Fire Department said it's not easy coping with the loss of Captain Ronnie Metcalf.
He passed Friday from serious injuries he got in the line of duty.
WFMY News 2 spoke one-on-one with Lexington's fire chief as he remembered a fallen firefighter.
Metcalf was a 19-year veteran with Lexington Fire. Chief Paul Jarrett said he was a man of faith, family, and service.
A flag at half staff sits outside the Lexington Fire Department to honor Captain Ronnie Metcalf.
Chief Jarrett said the loss of one of his fellow firefighters is devastating.
"It's a difficult situation, it's the hardest we've done," he said, "The way we get through it is leaning on each other."
He said Metcalf brought his heart to work everyday and his impact on others showed through his service.
"He had the biggest heart," Jarrett recalled, "His faith, he wanted everybody to know about it."
Metcalf lost his life Friday after battling serious burn injuries.
This was all in an attempt to put out a house fire while on-duty.
Jarrett said putting your life ahead of a potential fatal outcome is a part of what first responders do.
"It's a different lifestyle, the things that we do," he said, "Everyone has to rely on someone else to do a job and there's nothing else like it."
To honor Metcalf's legacy and 19-years of service to the City of Lexington Fire Department. Jarrett proudly covers a small portion of his badge.
"It's just a way of letting the community know that we are in mourning and that something has happened to somebody who is special," Jarrett said.
Jarrett said Metcalf also served the City of Denton. He was a part of their volunteer fire department.