ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Fire Department is mourning the loss of a 20-year veteran of the force. 

Elvis Reyes died following complications from surgery, according to Rochester Mayor Malik Evans.

Reyes received honors in 2009 from the South East Area Coalition for saving two people from a burning building and is credited by the Puerto Plata Rochester Sister Cities Committee for helping train firefighters in the Dominican Republic. 

He also received commendations for his volunteer work, his support of recruitment efforts and his life-saving work at the Summerville Pier and in Long Island, Nassau County and Suffolk County after Hurricane Sandy. 

Mayor Evans issued a statement saying in part:

"Firefighter Reyes has made an indelible mark on the Rochester Fire Department, and his legacy lives on through his sons Reid and Remington, both dedicated Rochester Firefighters themselves.

"I express my deepest gratitude and condolences to the Reyes family."

Rochester Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez Jr. had this to say:

“Firefighter Reyes was an outstanding, dedicated firefighter who was very committed to serving the community. We will always remember him for his great smile and the positive energy he brought whenever he entered a room.”

City Council Member Willie Lightfoot, a retired Rochester firefighter, also issued a statement:

"Elvis Reyes was an amazing, respected Rochester Firefighter and community servant. Elvis was an inspiration to me and every other firefighter who had the honor to serve with him. He was a consummate professional in every aspect of firefighting, with a wonderful sense of humor and a bigger than life personality. Anyone who ever met Elvis immediately liked him. I worked with him on the job and was proud to not only call him a colleague, but also a friend. Elvis Reyes was the epitome of what it means to be a Rochester City Firefighter and it is because of men like him that our firefighters are known as ‘Rochester’s Bravest.’ I send my deepest condolences to his immediate family and to my fellow members of his family in our City’s Fire Service. I pray for God’s mercy to comfort all who are mourning this great loss."