LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A procession was held on Sunday for an Oldham County firefighter who died in the line of duty.
Sgt. Tom Petschke died after firefighters responded to an abandoned structure fire on North Buckeye Lane in Goshen. The fire spread to an overgrown area and six acres of woods.
Petschke, a 10-year veteran of Ballardsville Fire Department, was taken to Norton Hospital after a medical emergency, but didn't survive.
Sgt. Tom Petschke
Firefighters said Petschke was a hard-working small business owner who always wanted to give back to his community.
"He was an example of a volunteer fireman, always trying to expand his knowledge and serve the community the best way he could," Ballardsville Fire chief Stephen Fante said. "He was a husband, father, son, man of God and a firefighter."
"His dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to public safety were an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working alongside him," Ballardsville Fire Department posted on Facebook.
Fante said the department is appreciative of all the support it has received since Petschke's death.
No additional details were released regarding the death. The cause of death is pending a medical exam, according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.
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