Firefighter Dale Scott Queen always wanted to serve others.

“If you ever needed anything, all you had to do was call,” said Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Chief Stephen Maples. “It didn’t matter what it was, he always did what he could to help.”

Queen responded with other Oak Ridge volunteer firefighters to help the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department search the area for a bomb after an explosion was reported at 19 Iron Man Road in Hartselle on Mon., April 29.

However, no one knew that would be his last call.

The firefighter became ill during the search and died at 4:42 p.m. on Mon., April 29 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was 37.

“We’re all still in shock,” Maples said. “It hasn’t sunk it yet. He appeared to be fine when he responded to the call.”

Maples said Queen’s illness was not related to the explosion call.

During a search of the area, Maples said Queen started to feel sick. He was taken to a staging area where his condition continued to worsen. An ambulance responded and met Queen at Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Station No. 1, where he was taken to Decatur Morgan Hospital.

Officials said that no bomb was found.

Queen was a member of the Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department for more than three years.

“Everyone loved him and enjoyed being around him,” Maples said. “He was a great guy.”

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Queen, and three sons ranging in ages from 9-14, Tanner Queen, Dakota Queen and Avery Queen.

Peck Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday, May 3, from 6-9 p.m. The funeral with firefighter honors will be held Sat., May 4, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.