Family Remembers Muskogee Firefighter Who Died From Cancer

A legend among Muskogee firefighters is being remembered for the lasting impact he had on the department.

For years, Meredith Lacey served as an assistant fire chief and president of the local fire union, but that only scratches the surface of what he was able to accomplish in his decades at the Muskogee Fire Department.

Lacey died from cancer earlier this week.

His son and grandson say his accomplishments are still benefitting Muskogee firefighters.

"There’s not very many people that stick with it as long as he did," Meridith's grandson Zachary said.

There’s been a Lacey on duty since Meredith started in 1967.

He was the one that years ago petitioned to allow family members to serve on the department together.

"If it wasn’t for that change me and my dad wouldn’t be able to work here," Zachary said.

Meredith's son Todd says his dad was a caring person, who always fought for firefighters.

"He was always full of life and charismatic," Todd said.

Zachary is following closely in his grandpa's footsteps - and represents the third generation of Lacey's to pick up the torch.

He was voted in as the local fire union president this year, something his dad is immensely proud of.

But he knows Meredith Lacey leaves big shoes to fill.