SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. — Zoneton Fire Protection District (FPD) Chief Robert Orkies passed away Dec. 11 after battling both cancer and COVID-19.

Zoneton FPD announced his passing in a Facebook post Friday afternoon.

Chief Orkies was diagnosed with cancer in September before he came down with COVID-19 in early November.

Chief Orkies worked in the fire service for over 36 years, joining Zoneton in 1994 after leaving the Okolona Fire Department.

"He was respected by all who knew him. All of us are deeply saddened by his death. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends," the post read.

Zoneton FPD will fly its flags at half-mast until sundown on the day of internment and will release additional information as plans are made.

"This is a difficult time for the entire Fire Department, and we will need to come together to get through it," the department wrote on Facebook.

Bryce Shreve is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 KY. He is a recent graduate of Indiana University Southeast and joined the staff in November, 2020.