(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is remembering the life of longtime, former Fire Chief Mike McDermed.

McDermed died Thursday following a battle with brain cancer. “We are all with heavy hearts right now,” current Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf told MSC Radio News. “We kind of knew this was coming, but you just never quite prepare for it.”

Graf is among those in the community remembering McDermed. “I've heard him described as the consummate professional, just professional at all levels, and he really truly was,” Graf said. “I wish that I could be that way, and maybe I will learn that someday.”

McDermed served the Atchison community for 45-years, with 35 of those spent as Fire Chief.

He retired last year due to his health issues. “The fact that he confidence and faith in me means a lot to me,” Graf Said. “The fact that when he first became ill and took an extended leave of absence the first time, I was his choice to fill in as the interim Chief. [He] gave me numerous opportunities to succeed, and that's the reason that I'm in the position that I'm in today, and there's many of our other members that would say the exact same thing.”

In a press release issued by the City of Atchison Friday, Atchison Mayor Allen Reavis calls McDermed “an exceptional leader and devoted public servant,” adding that “he will be missed as a mentor and a role model.”

Along with his duties as Fire Chief, McDermed would serve as interim City Manager when that role needed to be filled due to an absence.

Funeral Services for McDermed are planned for Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 at the Atchison Event Center.

The family requests that guests wear Hawaiian, or bright colored clothing, at the celebration of McDermed's life.

Atchison City Hall will be closed Wednesday afternoon to allow staff to attend the services.