VIDEO: More than 1,000 people gathered in Miles City Saturday morning for the funeral service of longtime firefighter John Raisler.
Raisler was killed on duty Tuesday, during a practice for the pack test. He was 59-years-old.
During his life, he mentored many up and coming firefighters from around the state, and many of those people were in attendance Saturday. Among them was Erick Hartse. “Anytime you lose a friend, anytime you lose somebody like that, it's tough," Hartse said following the service. "Trying to sum up John in a few words is almost impossible."
Hartse's emotions felt by many, as agencies traveled to Miles City from all across the state. “The guy was a leader of men," Hartse said. "He was probably one of the greatest mentors or teachers you could meet in your life."