Kings County fire captain remembered as loving public servant laid to rest Tuesday

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A final salute and goodbye to a beloved Kings County fire captain on Tuesday.

Mark Eads was remembered by his brother-in-law as a loving husband, father, and public servant.

"He loved everything about life and just enjoyed family time," Rick said.

Eads' casket was draped for a time with an American flag.

He was a veteran firefighter, and he served until the end.

Officials say Eads was responding to a structure fire in Avenal earlier this month when he suffered a medical emergency.

He was 62.

"His final call came six days before he would have had his 21st anniversary with the department, marking a bittersweet end to a career he had planned to conclude with retirement this summer," the priest at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church said.

His obituary remembers Eads as an outdoorsman, and for years, he worked at the family business, Mike Eads RV.

Firefighting was a career change but loved ones say it was fitting because, at five years old, Eads had played with matches and set fire to a staircase.

He went on to fight them.

"It's a sacrifice to go into that line of service," Rick said.

"But you do it because you love it and you're supporting your family."

Eads' gear sat below his picture near the alter on Tuesday. His wife, son, and daughter looked on.

As they said goodbye, the Kings County Fire Department did, too.

A final radio call was broadcast in the church.

"Engine 12, Captain Eads?" the dispatcher asked.

"No response from Captain Eads ... Captain Mark Eads, we will miss you. Rest in peace. Your brothers have it from here."

Following the funeral, the procession continued to St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, where Eads was laid to rest.

A GoFundMe has been started.

For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.