Moving firefighter funeral

UPDATE: 4:30 p.m.

A father, husband and inspirational fire captain was remembered Tuesday in West Kelowna.

Fire Capt. Troy Russell spent 20 years working as a firefighter in West Kelowna and after a heroic battle with cancer died Sept. 25. He is survived by his wife of 22 years and two sons.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund says Russell's family at home was very important, but also his family at the firehall.

“I came to learn that when Troy would work nightshift, he would often eat two dinners, one with his family at home and then another one with the fire department family at work,” said Brolund.

Over 400 emergency responders from across the province took part in the funeral procession, which led to the ceremony at Royal LePage Place.

The 53-year-old captain leaves behind a massive hole in the department, said Brolund.

Russell’s father said his son was the model child from day one. His brother shared that the death of Russell has broken his heart. Both speeches brought the crowded arena to tears.

This is the first line-of-duty death for West Kelowna Fire Rescue, as Russell's cancer was directly related to his work, said Brolund.

“His death was marked as a line-of-duty death, the type of cancer he had has been found it occurs far more often in firefighters than the general population."

ORIGINAL: 1:45 p.m.

A funeral for West Kelowna firefighter Capt. Troy Russell is ongoing at Royal LePage Place Tuesday afternoon.

Capt. Russell, also known as Nipsy, battled occupational brain cancer for a year. He passed away on Sept. 25.

Fire service, emergency responders and the public are attending the funeral, which began at 1 p.m.