Rockland County and New York City are mourning the loss of a veteran figure in public safety, John Kryger, who died at the age of 81, according to Rockland County officials.

He began his career with the New York City Fire Department in 1965.

Kryger, a Garnerville resident, also served as the county's deputy fire coordinator since 2004. He was deeply involved in the local firefighting community, being a life member of the Rockland County Firefighters Association, a member of the Rockland County Fire Chiefs Association and a former County of Rockland fire instructor.

A wake is scheduled for Thursday at the Rockland County Fire Training Center, followed by a funeral on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Garnerville.

Kryger is survived by his wife, four children and 10 grandchildren.