SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — First responders across Sevier County are honoring the life of a 54-year-old firefighter.
Brad Barnett was a firefighter for the Pigeon Forge Fire Department who died over the weekend after a long battle with cancer. He served as a firefighter for more than three decades, including 17 years with PFFD.
"He took great pride in what he did," said Erik Preske, who knew Barnett.
The 54-year-old firefighter passed away Friday after a battle with pancreatic cancer for around two years.
"Taking the resilience that he had, this is a bad situation but I'm going to the best of my life," said Preske.
Despite the diagnosis, several surgeries and multiple chemo treatments, Barnett kept his commitment to serve and continues to fight fires.
'If I could have a fraction of his positivity during this... that would be amazing," said Preske.
Erik Preske knows Brad's commitment from personal experience. The duo met while working at the Gatlinburg Fire Department.
"It was an inspiration, absolutely," said Preske. "Didn't even ask him to help, he just said, 'What time would like me to come over and help you?'"
The family will have a receiving of friends Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville lasting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a memorial service soon after.