An outpouring of love and support has flooded social media after news broke of retired Paris Fire Department Captain Eric Pearsons’ passing over the weekend.
Eric worked with the Paris Fire Department since July of 1984 and retired in June of 2012.
“He was a dedicated firefighter who never met a stranger and someone who would give you his last nickel,” Paris Fire Chief Michael Vogel, “his commitment and dedication to the citizens and city of Paris is greatly appreciated. He will be missed.”
The Paris Fire Department shared a heartfelt message on their Facebook page on Monday afternoon.
“PFD would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family of Captain Eric Pearson (Ret.). Eric passed away unexpectedly this past weekend. Eric served as a mentor to hundreds of firefighters as they began their careers. During his almost 28 years with the PFD, Eric served in numerous capacities including the dive team. We join Eric’s family in remembering Eric for what he stood for and the great memories we will always cherish of him.”
News quickly spread across the state of Texas as multple departments, alongside friends and colleagues, posted in memory of Pearson’s passing.
Family friend, Bill Steward recalled some of their cherished memories saying, “When I left the Denton FD and went to Paris FD, Eric within 10 minutes of my arrival at the old Paris Central Fire Station, had befriended me and made sure I felt at home in my new digs. He was big, stout, fearless and one of the kindest gentle souls I have ever known. Eric was the son of an A&M professor, raised in College Station, went in the Navy after graduation from A&M Consolidated, he then moved to his family’s ancestral home, Deport Texas, and got on the Paris Fire Dept.”
Others who worked alongside him recounted memories of a great person who immersed loads of knowledge onto the next generation.
“It would be difficult to describe Eric in a few words. But he exemplified what it meant to have a servant’s heart,” said one person on Facebook.
“You might be gone from this earth Eric Pearson but you left behind a legacy that will have guys talking of you for many many years and you will never be forgotten. A man with a true servants heart, a genuine love for people and a contagious personality that would light up a room,” was best sumed up by one fellow firefighter who served with him.
There has been no release on funeral details, but for those who wish to leave a mesage have been doing so on the Paris Fire Departments Facebook page.
But sound aloud the praises, and give the victor-crown To our noble-hearted Firemen, who fear not danger’s frown. ~Frederic G.W. Fenn, “Ode to our Firemen,” 1878
