(LaCrosse, IN) - The governor has ordered flags be flown at half-staff on Monday in La Porte County for a firefighter who died after returning from a brush fire.

 

Ken Caldwell was a member of the LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department for nearly 23 years, ultimately passing away at his home on June 6th five hours after the incident. He was 63 years old.

 

Fire Chief Aaron Rust said Caldwell made a living as an over-the-road truck driver, and that when he wasn’t on the road, he responded to every call, whether it was for a fire, a meeting, or a training session.

 

“Ken was usually the first one here and the last one to leave. If anyone is deserving of that honor to have the flag fly at half-staff, it's firefighter Caldwell,” he said.

 

Per Rust, the cause of death was a heart attack, but his passing was still considered in the line of duty because it occurred within 24 hours of a response call.

 

Caldwell was also known for his red Peterbilt semi-truck which had over two million miles on the odometer. Rust said Caldwell was still operating the semi he had for roughly 20 years, and people knew he was around whenever they spotted the truck in town. He also said it was kind of exciting for him to see the truck parked in Caldwell’s driveway after he returned from two to three months on the road, considering they were neighbors.

 

“Ken’s home. Let’s see what kind of stories he’s got. He always had plenty of them from being out on the road,” he said.

 

Rust said Caldwell was also known for having several 1970’s pick-up trucks that he “tinkered” with a home.

 

Visitation for Caldwell is scheduled Monday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with services to follow at the LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department.