Firefighters in Pittsfield are mourning the loss of one of their own.

Retired Chief Robert Czerwinski died Tuesday morning after battling what they called job-related cancer.

Chief Cherwinski grew up in Peekskill, New York, in a firefighting family.

He settled down in the Berkshires, raising three children and had three grandchildren.

Chief Cherwinski served for 32 years with the Pittsfield Fire Department, nine years as chief.

The Pittsfield Fire Department said those familiar with the chief know just how integral he was – not only to the department, but also to surrounding communities.