The Lakeshore Fire Department is mourning one of its own after the death of District Fire Chief Joe St. Louis.
St. Louis was the victim of an assault on Daytona Ave. in Windsor early on the morning of March 24.
A 43-year-old Windsor man faces aggravated assault and assault charges after police were called after an argument turned physical at a home between Totten St. and Algonquin St.
A woman was also assaulted but was not injured in the incident.
Windsor police are still investigating the incident, and have not said if charges against Michael Hillier will be upgraded. The Major Crimes Unit expects to release more information Tuesday.
Lakeshore Fire Chief Don Williamson says St. Louis was a 25-year veteran and was well respected.
"Joe was known for his calm demeanour and take charge approach during emergency situations," wrote Williamson in an email Monday to BlackburnNews.com. "The firefighters at Station 3 will miss his friendship and the leadership he provided."
Williamson says he cannot comment specifically on the death out of respect for the St. Louis family.
Since the death of St. Louis was announced over the weekend, condolences for the Lakeshore Fire Department and the St. Louis family have been coming in.
Essex MPP Taras Natyshak responded over Facebook Monday morning with his condolences.
"Our community has lost one of its finest, and our heart goes out to all who knew and loved Joe," he wrote.
Firefighters in Tecumseh also expressed their sadness.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the #LakeshoreFireDept @TownofLakeshore on the passing of Station 3 District Chief Joe St. Louis.
— Tecumseh Fire ?? (@TECFD) March 30, 2018
Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain says it is a hard day for many in town.
"I'm sure we'll be lowering our flag to half-mast," he told BlackburnNews.com. "There may be other things that we'll be doing in the future."
So far, funeral details have not been released.