CLAYTON, N.C. — A special ceremonial sounding of an old fire siren will be held Friday in honor of fallen Clayton firefighter Jason Dean.

According to the town, the 42-year-old deputy chief of training and operations died late Tuesday night after complications from COVID-19.

His body was returned to his hometown in Clayton from UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill Thursday night.

Fire departments from around the Triangle area gathered along I-40 to salute the caravan of emergency vehicles that escorted him home.