Firefighters from across Northern Utah gathered Wednesday in Plymouth to honor a fallen comrade.
Plymouth Fire Chief Craig Starr died suddenly, apparently of a heart attack, while responding to a medical call Dec. 24.
Twenty fire trucks with flashing lights, but no sirens, participated in the funeral procession for Starr, said Rich King, an Ogden firefighter and founder of the Weber County Honor Guard.
Starr, a 44-year-old volunteer firefighter, is survived by his wife, Barbara, his four children -- Angela (Tyson) Jensen, Brian (Kristina) Starr, Ryan Starr and Zachary Starr -- and three grandchildren.
Starr had no previously known medical or heart issues, King said. He worked at La-Z-Boy for 15 years and the last five years at ATK as a production specialist.
King said he did not know Starr personally, but he heard consistent tributes to Starr during memorial events over two days.
"He passed away doing what he loved, and that was helping people," King said.
"He was a loving father and husband who cared about his family and his friends. He loved his wife very much; (she) was his pride and joy as well as his kids.
"A lot of people battled weather and cold to say farewell to a hero that died doing what he loved to do."
A haunting honorary last call was sent out from dispatch to Starr's pager at Wednesday's services, King said.
When the call went unanswered, three tones rang out to acknowledge the fallen man.
The honor guard presented a flag to Starr's wife and a helmet to his mother.
The Weber County Honor Guard, founded several years ago by King and two others, represents Ogden, Roy, Weber County, North View, Hill Air Force Base, Riverdale and South Ogden fire departments.
The guard serves at flag ceremonies and funerals for those who fall in the line of duty, as well as for retired firefighters.
All firefighters are brothers and sisters in their call of duty, King said, and should be honored for their service when they pass on.
The 15-member honor guard is in demand throughout Utah and nearby states, averaging six or seven events, not all funerals, per year.
Two members of Logan's honor guard also participated in Wednesday's services.
"The main purpose and goal is to send off fellow firefighters in a proper and traditional manner," King said.
"It was an honor for the Weber County Honor Guard to preside over (Starr's) services, because we truly believe every (firefighter) is deserving of a good send-off."
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