MANCELONA -- An Antrim County community is honoring the life of a local firefighter.

Firefighters say Leonard Hittle of Rapid City was racing last Friday at Cherry Speedway.  When he got home he complained of chest pain before going to bed.  The 26-year-old died in his sleep.

Dozens remembered Hittle Thursday.  Family and friends met at the Mancelona funeral home to share stories of the man who dedicated his life to protecting others as a firefighter in Alba.

After the service, the coffin was placed on a fire truck and driven back to the fire station in a processional.

"It's a brotherhood, we do this for anyone in the fire service.  It's a long lasting love, it's a brotherhood, a respect to show to those who serve," explained Daryl Pellegrini, Fire Chief for the Alba Fire Department.