WARREN, Ohio - The Warren community this week mourned the loss and celebrated the life of Lt. Don Beauchene, a veteran Warren City firefighter who lost his life to the coronavirus. 

Beauchene's two grown sons and a life-long friend spoke with 21 News about the lieutenant's dedication to his job, the community and his family.

Fellow firefighters and first responders from around the valley turned out to honor Beauchene for 20 years as a dedicated firefighter on Tuesday.

His sons Dustin and Daniel say he was also a dedicated father who inspired them with his willingness to always reach out and help others.

"ALWAYS GO OUT OF HIS WAY TO JUST DO ANYTHING FOR ANYONE IT DIDN'T MATTER WHAT TIME WHAT WEATHER HE'D BE THERE NO MATTER WHAT IT WAS HOW HIG HOW SMALL HE'S FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT DONE," said daniel. 

Dad's work influenced the sons from an early age and guided their later career choices.

"ABSOLUTELY I WORKED AT THE SAME FIRE DEPARTMENT HE DID THE SAME LINE OF WORK HE WAS WORKING IN THE SAME CITY THAT'S ABSOLUTELY THE FEELING THAT WE HAD," said Dustin.

Following in their dad's footsteps doesn't surprise Melanie Sylvester, a lifelong family friend, who says Beauchene was a positive role model.

"SEEING THROUGH THE FUNERAL AND THE CALLING HOURS WHAT AN IMPACT HE HAS MADE ON THE COMMUNITY, I JUST THOUGHT IT WOULD BE JUST A REAL GOOD THING TO HEAR THAT HIS BOYS ARE GOING TO CONTINUE THAT AND CONTINUE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY," said Fuller.
 
While dad worked several jobs and long hours, the boys say he always was fun to be with.

"I DON'T CARE WHERE WE WERE OR WHAT WAS GOING ON, HE COULD ALWAYS MAKE YoU LAUGH ABOUT SOMETHING."

The sons want to be as dedicated and proud as a father who was taken far too soon.