A Loyalist Fire Department firefighter died after responding to an apartment fire Saturday evening.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce this evening, Loyalist Township Emergency Services lost one of its own, firefighter Patrick Pidgeon," said Loyalist Township fire chief Fred Stephenson in a release.

Emergency services responded to 339 Amherst Dr. at approximately 5 p.m., where an empty apartment on the third floor was engulfed in flames, said Sgt. Rob Power of the Napanee OPP.

"The fire got intense, a firefighter was injured, was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away," Power said at the scene late Saturday night.

"Patrick was a decorated and honoured Canadian Forces veteran who served in many overseas conflicts, including two tours in Afghanistan," said Stephenson. "Patrick’s service to the residents of Loyalist Township was his passion, calling and a true testament to his character.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to Patrick’s wife and son. They are in our thoughts and prayers and we stand by them in this difficult time."

Another firefighter suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene, said Power.

Initially only tenants living near the affected apartment were asked to evacuate, but soon the entire building was emptied. The recreation centre across the road remained open as social services and the Red Cross were called in to help.

It was a solemn scene at the fire station at approximately 10:40 p.m. Saturday, the station located a little more than 900 metres from the scene of the fire.

Firefighters who had just fought the same fire with Pidgeon stood outside the station. Some hadn’t put shoes or socks on yet, some had their arms folded and heads bowed, all reflecting on what had occurred in the hours previous.

Inside the station Stephenson sat in his office with his wife writing a news release and answering emails. He looked tired and drained.

"He was a great firefighter and he was very disciplined in what he did," Stephenson told the Whig-Standard. "He had a long career in the military, survived two tours in Afghanistan and this got him."

Pidgeon lived with his wife and teenage son in Amherstview, said Stephenson.

A crew member for about a year-and-a-half, the 45-year-old Pidgeon was also a correctional officer with Correctional Service Canada. Pidgeon was very eager to do his job, said Stephenson.

On Friday, Pidgeon had been selected to be part of the shore-based water rescue team.

"He was picked for the team and was on the phone with me, he was so happy and it was great," Stephenson said. "I don’t know what else to tell you, this shouldn’t have happened …

"He was an amazing guy."

Deputy Chief James Feeney spoke with the Pidgeon family on Sunday morning.

"The family is taking it pretty hard," said Feeney. "They are grieving, but they have lots of support around them."

A memorial for Pidgeon has been set up outside the fire station in Amherstview and gofundme page has been created to raise money for Pidgeon’s family, it can be found at www.gofundme.com/2exrhek.

Support for Pidgeon’s family is flowing in from across Canada via the Internet. Condolences came from almost every province, many using the hashtag #LODD for Line of Duty Deaths.

"We are saddened to hear of the Line of Duty Death of a firefighter in Amherstview ON. It is dangerous work we do. #sadday" wrote the Volunteer Fire Brigade in Bible Hill, N.S.

"Our condolences to the family, friends and firefighting family of fallen firefighter Pidgeon. Rest Easy, Brother" Tweeted the Fort Erie Fire and Emergency Services.

"Our thoughts are with @LoyalistFire the family and friends of Fire Fighter Patrick Pidgeon who died fighting an apartment fire today. #LODD" said the Campbell River B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Association.

"On behalf of the entire @AlbertaFFA we offer our condolences to the wife, son and fire family of FF Patrick Pidgeon of @LoyalistFire #LODD." wrote the Alberta Fire Fighters Association.

Support also came locally from fellow emergency services.

Our heartfelt condolences go out tonight to Patrick’s family, friends, and colleagues. #heroesinlifenotdeath" tweeted Kingston Police.

"@FPSParamedics send our condolences on the #LODD of FF Patrick Pidgeon, the ultimate sacrifice. Thoughts for @LoyalistFire, his wife & son," said Paul Charbonneau, chief of the Frontenac Paramedic Service.

Power said the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, the OPP, the Ontario Coroner’s Office, the Ministry of Labour and Loyalist Fire are all investigating the fire. An OPP new release reported that no one else suffered injuries and that damage was limited to the one apartment.

scrosier@postmedia.com

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