Friends, family and firefighters gathered in Hastings-On-Hudson Friday for an emotional farewell to a beloved fire chief.

Robert Schnibbe Jr., 57, collapsed and died of heart failure Friday night while coordinating efforts at a fire scene in Irvington. Schnibbe had led the Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Department for 20 years and was appointed Westchester County Battalion Fire Chief in 2003.

Fellow firefighters spoke of Schnibbe?s constant willingness to help others. All said Schnibbe?s death is a tremendous loss to the community.

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