JARED SOARES The Roanoke Times

Ann Dillon, widow of Rocky Mount Fire Chief and Vice Mayor Posey Dillon, holds a flag that was draped over his casket during his burial service Friday.

ROCKY MOUNT -- Posey Dillon's life was spent serving his community and it responded Friday by showing its appreciation.

Hundreds of people filled the pews of Franklin Heights Baptist Church to remember the fallen fire chief and vice mayor.

Dillon's casket was draped with an American flag and flanked by dozens of floral arrangements. Photos of Dillon with his wife, Ann, and performing governmental and fire department duties around town flashed on screens behind the altar.

Speaker after speaker touched on Dillon's commitment to community service and his desire to help anyone who asked for it.

"He didn't do it so we would stand here today and say how good he was," said the Rev. David Long. "He done it out of love for his fellow man, from his heart."

Both Rocky Mount Mayor Steve Angle and Assistant Town Manager Matt Hankins detailed some of Dillon's achievements over 33 years with the fire department and 24 years on the town council. His fiscal conservatism and grant-writing skills helped save the town thousands of dollars on equipment for the fire department, Hankins said.

Dillon was known as the voice of reason on the council, no matter how heated the debate, said Angle, who counted Dillon as a close friend for 40 years.

"We have a safer community to live, work and play in because of his efforts," Hankins said. "Be strong, because that's what he helped make us."

Members of Dillon's fire department continue to struggle with the grief of losing their leader.

Chaplain Richard Gore had to take a few minutes before speaking to the crowd, a task he thought he was prepared for.

Before reciting the Fireman's Prayer, Gore assured Dillon's widow that she always has a friend in the fire department. He described Dillon as an "equal man" who motivated his firefighters and kept his department in order.

"We'll never forget our chief," Gore said. "No one can step in his boots."

Hundreds of public safety officers attended the service and lent their fire trucks and ambulances to the procession from the church to the Hutchinson family cemetery in Glade Hill.

Dillon's casket rode atop the department's engine No. 1 down streets lined with spectators saluting and waving American flags.

Members of the Glade Hill Fire Department, whose call for backup Dillon and Altice were answering Monday, stood outside of their department along the route to salute the passing truck.

Ann Dillon was presented with a flag by the National Honor Guard at her husband's grave site in Glade Hill. Firefighters filed by her as they each left a white glove on Dillon's casket.