St. Tammany Fire District #12 announced the passing of Captain Ricky Payne, a nearly 25-year veteran of the department, describing the loss as a deeply painful moment for their team.
“It is with already heavy hearts that the members of FD12 are mourning the loss of another one of our own. Captain Ricky Payne, a nearly 25-year veteran of our department, was called home today,” the department said in a statement.
“There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing a brother firefighter,” the statement continued.
The department highlighted the unique bond within the fire service, stating, “The fire service is more than a job. It is a family built on trust, sacrifice, courage, and standing together through the hardest moments. Today, we stand together once again.”
They asked the community to “keep our department, the family and loved ones of Captain Payne, and all of our firefighters and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
READ MORE:St. Tammany Fire District mourns loss of Captain Ricky Payne
