Fire Departments Honor Long-Time Mechanicsville Volunteer Firefighter

People across Cedar County are mourning the loss of a long-time volunteer firefighter.

Doug Cook died at the age of 51 in a tragic accident while doing what he loved, working on a vehicle in his garage.

Although his death is hitting people hard in Mechanicsville, others outside of that community are also taking part in the effort to honor him.

Several fire departments gathered at the funeral home, lining up to pay respects to the man many people respected.

"It's kind of hard to find dedicated volunteers that have families that understand and that's why his family is like our family and our hearts are broken,” said Mechanicsville Fire Chief Lonni Koch.

Doug Cook served on the Mechanicsville Fire Department for three decades. It's only fitting he'd take his final ride on a fire truck.

"The volunteers got a truck donated to them. He restored that truck, and that's what he took his last ride on,” said Mechanicsville Mayor Larry Butler.

One after another, the trucks lined up to honor Cook Wednesday morning. They rolled down Highway 30 with lights and sirens, all the way to the Mechanicsville fire department for the funeral.

"Dad always reminded us not to worry, don't let things bother you and everything will work out how they should,” said Doug’s Daughter Kelsey Cook during the ceremony.

People said he was always the first to fix up every fire truck or help anyone who needed a hand.

"He just was very proud to be not only a fireman but to make everyone happy. Whether it's the kids on up to the adults,” said Doug’s Wife Deanna Cook.

His wife and two daughters said they have a lot of memories but they'll especially remember this...

"Just him hugging us and saying love you, see you later,” Kelsey Cook said.

“Everything is going to be okay,” Deanna Cook added.

“He put his family before everyone but everyone was his family. You weren’t just a friend. He made you feel like you were family,” added Doug’s daughter Sarah Cook.

He was a firefighter for three decades but it’s clear this community will miss him for much longer than that.

"The community is going to miss Doug a lot,” Butler said.

Fire Departments and law enforcement crews from all over eastern Iowa took part in the ceremony, including Lisbon, Anamosa, Clarence, Lowden, Olin, Mount Vernon, Oxford Junction, Cedar Rapids, and more.