This week, the Liberty Fire Department will honor the life of Capt. Raymond McElwee, who served with the department for 26 years.

McElwee died Oct. 22 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for most of this year, the fire department said.

His death is being recognized as a line-of-duty death as his diagnosis was determined to be caused by his work as a firefighter.

The loss of a firefighter is never easy, but the second in just over a year to the same kind of cancer caused by the job that we all dedicate our lives to, is particularly devastating, Fire Chief Chris Young said in a news release. Ray was an amazing person, firefighter, and friend who cared deeply for his family, community and everyone around him. He is a great reminder to all of us to live life to the fullest ever

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