Hundreds honor Marietta's fallen firefighter | News

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Hundreds turned out Tuesday to honor Marietta's first fallen firefighter in more than 150 years.

The funeral of 49-year-old Lonnie Nutt drew firefighters from across the state.

PHOTOS | Marietta firefighter's funeral procession

Robert Busby retired from the Marietta Fire Department over a decade ago, but the loss hits him hard.

"Very hard," said Busby while choking back tears. "I just hope we don't have to go through this again."

Lonnie Nutt's widow stood before those who gathered at her husband's funeral, and spoke of his love. 

"Our days had been happy," said Rosa Nutt. "When I would wake up in the morning, I would thank God for giving me one more day with my love."

Officials say Lonnie Nutt was helping an injured driver when he suffered a medical emergency of his own.

Nutt's fire fighting career started in the Air Force. He was 30-years-old when his career brought him to Marietta, where he served for 19 years.

"Lonnie Nutt never missed a day to do a good turn," said Marietta Fire Chief Jackie Gibbs. "He never missed a day of his life to do a good deed for someone else who needed something."

Across the street from Roswell Baptist Church, Evelyn Fuchcar held a sign praising all Marietta Firefighters. They're the ones who came to her aid when she suffered a heart attack just a few months ago. 

"Part of the reason I'm here today is because of the firemen," said Fuchcar. "What a thing they do for our community."

Nutt was laid to rest at Kennesaw Memorial Cemetery.