A storm cleanup effort turned tragic in Ulster County when a longtime fire chief was killed while helping clear a roadway.

Cottekill Fire Chief David Gagnon was removing a storm-damaged tree from a road in Rosendale on Friday when part of the tree snapped and struck him, fire officials said.

Gagnon died from his injuries.

He served with the Cottekill Fire Department for more than 30 years.

Gagnon was also a member of the New York National Guard for 35 years.

He was 58 years old.

Wake services take place today at Ulster County Community College from 2 to 4pm and then from 5 to 7pm.

A mass of Christian burial is set for the same location Thursday morning.

Officials and community members are mourning the loss of a veteran firefighter and public servant who spent decades serving his community.