One of the Michigan City firefighters who helped rescue a boy trapped in the sand at Mount Baldy in 2013 died this week.

Ray Celebucki was 49 when he passed away on Monday, April 4, WNDU reported. 

Celebucki battled cancer and had other personal struggles, but those who knew and loved him told WNDU that he was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He had a soft spot for children and animals and even worked to make sure all of the Michigan City fire trucks had lifesaving equipment for pets.

Visitation for Celebucki will be from 9 to 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, April 9, at Haverstock Funeral Home. The visitation will be followed by a memorial service and honor guard ceremony.

Read more about Celebucki and how he kept in touch with the family of the boy rescued on Mount Baldy in 2013 in the full story from WNDU.