What's Atop This Fire Truck Is Honoring A Very Special Firefighter

One Final Fire Truck Ride

For firefighters, an extremely close-knit group, it's always hard to lose one of their own. But the loss suffered by the Selma Fire Department in Alleghany County, Virginia, was especially tough. And so, the firefighters made sure to honor their fallen friend in a very special way. [caption id="attachment_25277" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Credit: WSLS 10 News[/caption] Aaron Rucker lost his battle with Muscular Dystrophy at 25 years old -- a disease that had put him in a wheelchair for most of his life. But the inspiring young man refused to let let it stop him from following his dreams.

“He didn’t have a disability in his eyes, he did everything he wanted to do,” said his mom, Judith Nicely.

[caption id="attachment_25278" align="aligncenter" width="541"] Credit: Facebook[/caption] The Selma Fire Department was one of the biggest parts of Aaron's life. But Aaron was also a huge part of the firehouse servicing the extremely small town of Selma.

“He was a very outgoing person and would do anything he could to help any of us,” said Deputy Alleghany County Sheriff, Kevin Cahoun, one of Aaron's friends.

[rsnippet id="3" name="Article-Ad"] Aaron began volunteering as a boy, and spent 16 years serving the department. [caption id="attachment_25279" align="aligncenter" width="686"] Credit: WSLS 10 News[/caption] There, he was not known for his disabilities, but rather for his bright personality and all that he did for the fire house, despite his physical limitations.

“He was limited to what he could do, but what he did do, he was proud of it, and we was proud of it too,” said Selma Fire Chief Walter Morris.

[caption id="attachment_25282" align="aligncenter" width="635"] Credit: WSLS 10 News[/caption] So, Aaron knew that when his time came, he wanted his casket transported by his second family -- the crew that he'd grown up serving.

“He said a fire truck would do, but he wanted all the pomp and circumstance that went along with that,” his mom recalls. 

And that's just what Aaron got. [caption id="attachment_25281" align="aligncenter" width="697"] Credit: WSLS 10 News[/caption] Seven different fire departments from the area came together to plan Aaron's funeral ceremony. Considering the town of Selma only has a population just over 500 people, it's a testament to what a huge impact Aaron had. RELATED: Teen's casket is covered in messages from loved ones Just as Aaron had wished, his casket was loaded onto his company's fire truck and transported to the cemetery. It was a very special honor, and the first time Alleghany County had ever seen a casket on a fire truck. [caption id="attachment_25280" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Credit: WSLS 10 News[/caption] But the tribute didn't end there. At the graveside, Aaron's friends and coworkers commemorated his amazing life and service with a last call. It was a powerful sentiment that was greatly appreciated by the young man's grieving family.

“They do this last call through the county dispatch, and it’s a really emotional and touching moment of respect and honor for my son,” said Aaron's mother.

[caption id="attachment_25283" align="aligncenter" width="698"] Credit: WSLS 10 News[/caption] It was a farewell completely fitting of the hero that Aaron was. He recognized the calling that was placed on his life, and didn't let anything stand in his way -- even a debilitating disease. Our prayers go out to Aaron's family during this time of grief. Watch Aaron's emotional last call in the video below: [rsnippet id="2" name="ArticleAd-300x250-3"] Watch as this heroic police dog in honored with his last call. Credit: WSLS News