A longtime local fire chief was laid to rest Monday surrounded by his fellow firefighters in the community he spent his lifetime serving.
Okey Dalton served as the chief of the Cool Springs Fire Department in Monongalia County for over 15 years. He passed away last Thursday at the age of 78.
Along with being a lifelong firefighter, he was a local business owner.
Several fire departments from Monongalia county were part of the funeral procession.
Dalton was described as the true definition of a staple in his community.
"He was a good guy, he was always at the store, and he'd always make you laugh." said Assistant Fire Chief David Murray Jr. "He never met a stranger. He could go anywhere and people would know him."
He leaves behind his wife, three children, three sisters, and several grandchildren.