The McRae-Helena Firefighters Association announced Sunday the passing of Retired Chief Wendell Towns. According to a post made on their Facebook page, the McRae-Helena Firefighters Association said Chief Towns began serving the citizens of McRae-Helena in 1972. From there he held multiple positions within the City of McRae. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Helena and Telfair County. The post said McRae began serving as Chief of McRae Fire Department and Chief of Telfair County in 1998. He held that position until his retirement in 2007. After that he continued to serve as a volunteer. The post asked everyone to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers .