Former Richmond Hill fire chief Vernon Rushing died Monday, Mayor Harold Fowler confirmed Tuesday morning.

Rushing was fire chief from 1997 until his retirement in November 2013. He began with the department in 1968 and became assistant chief in 1974.

“He was a very dedicated employee for the city. He did all he could to fortify the department and just did a great job,” Fowler said.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday at Bethel Baptist Church in Richmond Hill. More information is under the "Obits" tab above.