Firefighters and community members gather in Laurel to honor Alan Schweitzer

On April 26, 2017 the service for Alan Schweitzer took place at the Laurel Fire Department.

It was a difficult day for two communities, as they say goodbye. Gathered together, Laurel and Ocean City firefighters, along with supporters, loved ones and friends of the late Alan Schweitzer.

Deputy Fire Marshall for Ocean City, Ryan Whittington, says they are gathered today show their utmost gratitude and respect towards Schweitzer.

Both departments partnered to honor the long time member and recently appointed councilman, who lost his life in a motorcycle accident just last week.

Many of the men and women shared stories of his infectious personality and the bond he created between the towns of Laurel and Ocean City.

"Alan served here in laurel and laurel and ocean city coming together to remember Alan has been just there are no words to describe. The teamwork, the memories, and just both of the departments coming together, " Whittington tells 47 ABC.

But that bond isn't just between these two departments, as the public information officer and past president of Laurel Fire Department, Brian Whaley, tells us that many departments throughout Maryland and Delaware have also showed their respects and support.

"We actually upon learning of Alan's untimely death, we had stand by crews so our guys could take time and not have to respond to calls, other companies covered our district. The outpour coming from the others, our neighboring departments, county-wide, state-wide, has been tremendous," Whaley states.