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(Updated) Firefighters and dignitaries from across Ontario gathered today to bid a final farewell to St. Catharines Fire Chief Mark Mehlenbacher.

It was an emotional day of touching tributes for a man who dedicated himself to public service.

A fire truck led the hearse carrying the Chief into the Ancaster Fairgrounds where the reception after the service was held.

Hundreds of firefighters lined the roads. Mehlenbacher died Friday after a long bout with work related cancer.

Acting Chief of the St. Catharines Fire Department Dave Wood says those gathered reflect the departed Chief’s reach.

“As you can see from the large turnout today…it’s a reflection of who Mark was and who he touched.”

Firefighting was Mark Mehlenbacher’s passion. He had been the Chief in Ancaster and Deputy in Burlington before coming to St. Catharines. He was a dedicated family man and his three children paid tribute to their father.

Chief Denys Prevost from Welland Fire Department says he was a straight shooter and well respected.

“He didn’t hide, he was willing to get out in front of issues. He was willing to talk to the media, talk to the public, talk to the guys in the fire service. He was willing to express his desires, his hopes for the future and through that process he talked to a lot of people, to their hearts.”

In addition to his children, Mehlenbacher is survived by his wife, his parents and two sisters.

He was only 55 years old.