The Westport Fire Department and Westport EMS are mourning the death of the crew chief and a longtime volunteer firefighter.

Those who had the chance to work with Mark Blake say he spent all his time on and off the clock doing what he loved best - helping others.

EMS volunteer Larry Kleinman says Blake showed him the ropes as his crew chief when he first joined.

"I didn't really know what I was doing at all. And he was just incredibly supportive and comforting and helpful and patient," said Kleinman.

EMTs say losing a fellow first responder feels like losing a member of the family.

"When you show up with people having among the worst days of their lives, and we show up and this team helps people, that makes a cohesive bond between the people on the team," said Kleinman.

In his off hours, Blake also a 31-year member of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department.

Weston Fire Marshal John Pokorny says Blake spent his whole life protecting others' lives.

"It was really his passion to make sure people were safe and healthy, and that really sums Mark up," said Pokorny.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Matthew Church in Norwalk.