A processional of emergency workers led from Chapel Hill to Hillsborough on Wednesday carrying the body of an Orange Rural Fire Department firefighter who died while on duty Monday.

Officials identified 32-year-old Jeff Holden as the firefighter who died at the main station in Hillsborough on Monday afternoon after going out on a response call. Holden, the assistant chief of training and safety for the department, was one two firefighters who entered a trench on Monday to rescue a construction worker who was trapped on West Ten Road in Efland.

Officials said Holden “participated in equipment maintenance” upon arriving back at the department’s main station. He was later found unresponsive. Revival attempts by the crew and emergency workers were unsuccessful.

Holden’s family issued a statement on Wednesday evening:

We are utterly devastated at the loss of a beloved husband, father, son and brother. Jeff was a humble man, who loved his wife, son and entire family. He was a good son, a good brother, a good uncle and an awesome dad with plans already for future times with his son. He was a caring and kind person and the funniest man you could ever meet. He cared deeply for his brothers and sisters in the fire family and in other arms of emergency service.

The support of the community and the fire service has been phenomenal. We ask that you please keep the fire service in your prayers.

We also ask that our family’s privacy be respected during this time. Family and friends are asked to speak directly to us and not to the media.

Holden is survived by his wife and child.

A share account has been established by the Hillsborough Firefighters Association at the Local Government Federal Credit Union for the family.

If you would like to donate, you can do so by visiting any State Employees Credit Union Location and making a deposit in the “Scholarship Fund for Miller” account.

Funeral arrangements were announced for Holden on Wednesday. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at New Horizon Church in Durham. The Orange Rural Fire Department will cease operations during that time; the department’s coverage area will be serviced by the Mebane and Lebanon fire departments.

Photo via Orange Rural Fire

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