Retired South Coffeyville Deputy Fire Chief Eddie Howard has passed away.

The South Coffeyville Fire Department made the announcement late yesterday. Howard served the department, community and brother firefighters for 34 years. Besides his work with the fire department, Howard was recently traveling the country doing work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and recently helped with cleanup efforts after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Howard was also active in the Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club. The department is asking for prayers for the Howard family in this difficult time, and members of the amateur radio club including President John Vest are sharing their condolences.