HUNTINGTON, TX (KTRE) -
Firefighters from across Angelina County
gathered to say goodbye to one of their own.
"Its just a long handed down
tradition of family, you're a banded brotherhood," said Richie Allen,
Firefighter, Huntington Volunteer Fire Department.
Gil Harper, the President and former chief
of the Ora Volunteer Fire department passed away early this week.
"He had a big impact on
everybody's lives," said Chris Smith, Assistant Fire Chief Hudson.
Former colleagues remember Harper as
an inspirational leader and say he treated those he worked with like his own
children.
"He was a one of a kind person,"
said James Hope, Fire Chief, Ora Fire Department.
"The fire department was his
baby," said Allen.
Friday 40 fire trucks flooded the
streets of Huntington in honor of the fallen chief.
"To turn and look at all these
truck its just overwhelming," said Allen.
Volunteer Fire Fighter Richie Allen
met Harper in 1992, Allen says that his personality helped him gain the respect
of everyone he met.
"He's a one of a hind gentleman,
you'll never find another one like him, he always had a joke to ease the
moment," said Allen.
Harper's death is believed to be the
result of cancer, but firefighters are hoping Friday's procession will ease the
pain of the family he leaves behind.
"I hope just them knowing how
well he was thought of and how he touched every one of us, I hope it makes them
feel better," said Smith.
The department retired Harper's call
number but says his legacy will live on.
"Its going to be rough but we're going to honor his
wishes," said Hope.
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