Delhi Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bandy Silk spent last week fielding calls from departments throughout Oklahoma and Texas expressing condolences on the loss of longtime firefighter Colter Jake Vaught.
Silk said he had expected that, considering Vaught’s work and dedication to countless wildfi res throughout the area for over two decades.
However, few could have expected the actual attendance at Vaught’s Friday service.
The mourners gathered into Trinity Fellowship’s main worship area, which was built to accommodate many and is accustomed to hosting its large congregation.
Despite that, few chairs were left empty.
The live streaming provided by Trinity showed hundreds of people actively watching online.
Vaught received a fireman’s service similar to military services.
Ministers discussed Vaught’s devotion to his family, his dog Hunter and his passion for helping friends and strangers as a first responder.
Vaught graduated from Sayre High School in 2001.
