Officials with the Atlantic Fire Department say they lost a great leader, supporter, family man and father figure to the department, Monday, in the passing of 85-year old Eugene “Gene” Freese. It was just two months ago, the Department recognized Freese for 50-years of service to Atlantic Fire and the community. Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees said it’s a loss for himself personally, the Atlantic Volunteer Fire Department, and the community.

He says Gene was well known for his work as a firefighter, at Walnut Grove and the Skating Rink for many years. McNees says many of the firefighters grew up with Gene in their lives. He said Freese “Was a great leader and a great man.” Mark says Gene was Assistant Chief when McNees joined the fire department, and he’s learned a tremendous amount from him.

Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees (left) and Gene Freese (AFD photo)

It was a little over two-months ago the community and AFD came together to honor Gene Freese for his more than 50-years of service, something that McNees said is very rare in that occupation. McNees said no one can remember anyone else having put in 50 years with the AFD.  He said “What he showed in commitment and dedication to the department and to his community, and serving others, was a huge benefit to our younger guys that are on the department. Many of them looked up to him as a father figure, even a grandfather figure. He might be one of the oldest, active EMT’s in the State. He was still active on the department, making calls, attending training and keeping up on his EMT status.”

The Chief said times are changing, and it won’t be long before people are able to serve as long as Gene did, due to insurance, workman’s compensation and other regulations, so having a 50-year veteran of the force may never happen again. He said the hearts and prayers go out to Gene’s wife Carol and the family, and they will do what they can to serve them following his passing.

It’s been a tough week for the AFD. Former Firefighter Shawn Sarsfield lost his father Royce last weekend. McNees said anytime a firefighter loses a family member, the department shares their loss.