TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A local firefighter has died from COVID-19.

Terre Haute firefighter John Schoffstall died from the coronavirus at Union Hospital Sunday morning. Schoffstall served with the Terre Haute Fire Department at Station 5.

First responders and families lined the streets of Terre Haute Easter morning as fire trucks escorted Schoffstall's body to Fitzpatrick Funeral Home in West Terre Haute.

Fellow firefighter Tim Murpy says, "From a spiritual standpoint I guess there's no greater day to come home to see our Father than Easter, you know, the resurrection of his Son."

Schoffstall served Terre Haute for 11 years. Now his son is remembering the good times with dad.

Jake Schoffstall says, "He dedicated his life to the fire service. We got to make a lot of memories and I think the time that he was here we got to do a lot of stuff that some kids don't get to do but it was truly a great time with my father."

Hours after his death people could be seen outside the fire station kneeling to pray and pay their respect. Fellow firefighters started at the station and drove past Schoffstall's family home as a sign of support.

Murphy worked alongside Schoffstall for more than a decade.

"You know, we swore in together. We've lived our lives together. We've raised our kids in the same community. We don't just interact at the fire house, you know, we have a relationship. All of us, we have relationships outside of work."

Now, firefighters will stand guard over Schoffstall's body until he is laid to rest. His son is vowing to give him the best possible service under the circumstances.

Those who knew him best are now taking comfort in the knowledge this hero was loved and acknowledged by many.