SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. — Zoneton Fire Protection District (FPD) Chief Robert Orkies was laid to rest on Friday at Brookland Cemetery. Orkies passed away Dec. 11 after battling both cancer and COVID-19.

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

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 and members of surrounding departments paid their respects Friday beginning with a funeral service at Okolona Christian Church.

"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.

On Friday Zoneton FDP made its last radio call for Orkies which said in part, “This will be the last call for Chief Robert Lee Orkies. Chief Orkies started his fire service career with the Okolona Fire District on September the 19th, 1984. He joined the Zoneton Fire District October the 17th of 1994 and became a full time fire chief on July 23rd, 2003."

The radio call continued: "Chief Orkies served the community of Bullitt and Jefferson Counties with pride, integrity and honor. He was a leader, a mentor and a dedicated firefighter. Rob was a loving friend, husband, dad, papaw, brother, uncle, loyal friend and brother to everyone in the emergency service family.”