Richard Stevens, a former South Point Fire Department chief for 25 years, died Friday and was laid to rest Monday at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Barboursville, W.Va. He was 68 years old.

Aside from his service on the SPFD Stevens also served as a board member for the Lawrence County Fire Commission, the Lawrence County Planning Commission, South Point Little League and as a councilman for the village of South Point.

“He was dedicated in every role he served in,” Ron West, mayor of South Point said. “Especially in his role as fire chief. He always tried to keep the volunteer firefighters safe with proper equipment and training.”

A native of Huntington, Stevens served in the West Virginia Army National Guard and worked as chief of the Lavalette Fire Department in his home state before relocating to South Point.

Once he settled in Lawrence County Mayor West says he was an asset to the community and one that won’t be easily replaced.

“Richard was a great man,” West said. “A valued employee and resident of the Village of South Point and one that will be sadly missed.”

His funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. at Slack and Wallace funeral home and he was buried with fireman’s honors.