Family and friends said the fire chief who died Saturday was dedicated to his community and fire department.
Tom Henrich, 58, fire chief of Earling Fire and Rescue Department, responded to a combine fire around 2:40 p.m. While on the scene, he fell ill and passed away, according to KETV.com.
"They lost a very dedicated leader in their community," Harlan Fire Chief Roger Bissen told the television station. "The fire department was Tom's life. He was very strong in training and leadership of their department."
Bissen named Henrich "Doc" after the two responded to the devastating Parkersburg tornado in 2008 where Henrich rendered medical aid to many of the injured.
Henrich became the chief 10 years ago, and served his community for 30 years.
"Tom was extremely dedicated and very proud of his fire department and the people on there, the training they do and the responses they made," said Atlantic Volunteer Fire Chief Mark McNees.
