Family, Mt. Vernon officials planning firefighter's funeral

Family and Mount Vernon city officials are planning a funeral for a firefighter who was killed yesterday in the line of duty. Kevin Townes, 54, collapsed early Thursday while preparing to battle a basement fire. He died of an apparent heart attack. Townes, of Pleasant Valley, was married with three kids. He was a member of Oak Street Firehouse, Station Four, and had spent over 25 years with the department. "Nobody expects to lose one of their brother firefighters, but it happened," said Mount Vernon Fire Department Commissioner Noah Lightly. "This business is very dangerous." Services for Townes will be held next Wednesday and Thursday at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.Mount Vernon firefighter dies in line of duty