Henderson fire chief dies after battling cancer

The City of Henderson Fire Department Chief Steve Cordell died Sunday evening.

The Henderson fire chief had been battling cancer for some time before his passing.

The fire department posted on Facebook Sunday night, "Tonight our department faces the loss of one of our own. Fire Chief Steve Cordell, a man who was not only our leader but our mentor and friend."

Those at the Henderson Police Department also offered their condolences on Facebook.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington wrote, "The City of Henderson mourns the loss of a colleague, a friend and man whose passion and dedication to his community cannot be measured. The knowledge, wisdom and service to his profession have profoundly impacted countless lives. Chief Steve Cordell ran the race that was set before him. He lived his life the way he died with courage, strength and endurance. Although his life here on earth is over his eternal flame will continue to burn in our hearts and memories.”

Cordell was recently awarded the Order of the Guardian by Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey. He was presented the award on his birthday on Jan. 19.

"Thank you, Chief Cordell, for serving your community for over 30 years!" the Office of State Fire Marshal said in a Facebook post.