RED OAK, N.C. (WITN) – The Red Oak Community Rural Fire Department is mourning a loss after an accident claimed the life of one of their own.

A Facebook post by the fire department says firefighter Jay Lyons died earlier today while on vacation outside the country.

“Jay was well-liked here at Red Oak and made a lasting impression on everyone,” the department said in the post. “He was an optimistic person who loved his family.”

Lyons had served with several departments across the region, including the Leggett Volunteer Fire Department and Edgecombe County Emergency Services. He also volunteered to help with disaster recovery in Western North Carolina, assisting the Little River Volunteer Fire Department in Transylvania County following Hurricane Helene, according to the post.

Funeral ar

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