Family, friends and co-workers came together this afternoon to say their final farewells to a Mount Vernon firefighter who died in the line of duty last week.

Kevin Townes, 54, suffered an apparent heart attack as he was about to tackle a small fire last Thursday. The 25-year veteran and father of five was taken to Mount Vernon Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"He was just full of life. He was a fun guy. He wanted to help anybody who needed help," says his widow, Patricia Townes.

"He was a big guy... Big strong man but he really was a teddy bear, he was a gentle giant," says Mount Vernon Fire Department Capt. Michael St. John.

A funeral will be held for Townes tomorrow morning at the Grace Baptist Church. Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young will speak during the service.

News 12 will have live coverage of the funeral, which is expected to begin at 10:30 a.m.

Family, Mt. Vernon officials planning firefighter's funeralMount Vernon firefighter dies in line of duty