CHESTERTON | Former Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood was a fireman's fireman.

"He ate, slept and breathed it," said his daughter Nikki Moskalick.

SLIDESHOW: Images from Warren Highwood's funeral.

Being a firefighter and serving his community, she said, was his first great love.

Highwood, who died Thursday after a long battle with cancer, was eulogized Monday by his daughter and his successor, Fire Chief Mike Orlich, during services at St. Patrick Church.

Firefighters from all over Porter, Lake and LaPorte counties came to show their respect to Highwood, who began his firefighting career at age 19, became the town's first full-time firefighter and became its chief in 1990.

"He was blessed with gifts some men never find in their lifetime. He loved his career and loved his wife," she said.

As important as the fire service, said Orlich and Moskalick, was family. And, they said, Highwood considered not only his blood relatives family, but had an extensive extended family that included fellow firefighters, their families, close friends and the community.

"Skip made our kids and any kids feel special," Orlich said.

Orlich said Highwood was referred to as the "sucker chief" by many children. He kept a firefighter cookie jar on his desk filled with candy for children who visited the fire station. Orlich brought the cookie jar, given to Highwood by his father-in-law, along with him Monday. He took a brief break in his eulogy to invite children attending the service to partake in one last treat from the chief.

Orlich said Highwood, who officially retired from the post Dec. 31, was concerned about the community until the end.

The night before he died he was visited in his room at Porter Valparaiso Hospital Campus by the entire Fire Department, Orlich said. Outside his window, the men turned on the lights of the two engines they brought.

Highwood gave them a "smirk and a shake of the head," the only sign he ever gave of disagreement, said Orlich, who quickly reassured him that Liberty Township was backing up his department and his town was covered.

"He never wanted accolades or credit. He always put everyone before himself," Orlich said.

"My dad was a hero. He was your hero, he was my hero," said Moskalick, describing her father as "simple, humble and strong."

Following the service, a procession led by a town fire engine carried Highwood's casket to Chesterton Cemetery for burial. Chesterton firefighters walked behind the engine to pay their respects to the longtime chief. The procession stopped momentarily at the intersection of Broadway and Calumet to give the final call to the fallen firefighter.

At the cemetery, bagpipes played their mournful tunes. Firefighters walked past Highwood's casket, placing their white, formal gloves on top as a last goodbye.