A Kingwood-area fire chief reportedly died after a battle with COVID-19, according to a July 21 news release from the city of Houston.

Houston Fire Chief Leroy Lucio, who worked at Houston Fire Station No. 103 on High Valley Drive in Kingwood for the last five years, died July 20. Lucio had been fighting the virus from a hospital in San Antonio, according to the release.

The 62-year-old fire chief was a San Antonio resident who joined the department in December 1990 and became a chief in 2006. He also worked out of Stations Nos. 43, 56, 12 and 19, according to HFD officials.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Leroy Lucio,” Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña said in the news release. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and the many lives he touched through his work in our community. Such a kind person will be missed, but my faith comforts me that his work here on earth was complete and God called for him to be by his side as he watches over all first responders.”