VIGO CO. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in Vigo County in honor and remembrance of District Chief Dave Phelps who died in the line of duty on Nov. 2.
Flags should be flown at half-staff in Vigo County from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Gov. Holcomb is requesting Vigo County residents and businesses to lower their flags.
The Prairieton Fire Department announced District Chief Dave Phelps died of an apparent heart attack while responding to a structure fire.
Phelps had served the community for nearly 60 years and “was a highly respected firefighter that had a love and passion for the job.”
“This is a great loss for our department, the community, and his family,” the department posted on Facebook. “Please continue to pray for strength for his friends, family, and fellow firefighters.”
The Indiana State Fire Marshal said the department’s investigators are helping to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Phelps is survived by his wife Mickey and two children Drew and Ramie.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in DeBaun Springhill Chapel with a memorial service conducted by the IVFA at the end of visitation. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 8, at 10:30 a.m., in the funeral home. Burial will be in New Harmony Cemetery where line-of-duty death honors will be provided by the Fire Service.
Online condolences may be left at www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.