BRINNON — More than 100 family members, firefighters, friends and community leaders gathered Saturday at the Brinnon Community Church to say good-bye to a man who dedicated 31 years of his life to the community.
Mel Herod, 64, died Wednesday at Mason General Hospital in Shelton of bronchial pneumonia following a two-year battle with lung cancer.
A member of the Brinnon Fire Department since 1971, he served as chief from 1975 to 1978 and from 1983 through June 2002.
The district’s first paid employee, he was a firefighter, emergency medical technician and maintenance worker.
“Mel loved this town, he loved this fire department, and he loved the people,” the Rev. Bill Reid said during Saturday’s service. “We give thanks for a wonderful man who led a wonderful life in this community.”
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