The Monroe Fire Department is mourning the loss of their longest serving member.

Andrew Chacho died over the weekend at the age of 98, leaving behind an enormous legacy.

Chacho was born in 1923, the same year the department was founded. The Monroe farmer joined the department when he was 20.

After the firefighting chapter of his career came to an end, he remained an active volunteer on the administrative side of things and served as the treasurer for years.

"The one rule we had around the firehouse, and it was our rule, not Andy's, was that no one ate until Andy ate out of respect for him,” says Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Catalano.

The department also says Chacho played a major hand in fundraiser efforts.

"Fundraising is important to a volunteer agency like us, and Andy took that to heart,” Catalano says. “Always being involved in our carnival, especially the car raffles."

"I think he probably sold the most car raffle tickets than any other member,” says Lt. Chris Krize.

During his time with the department, Chacho earned a number of medals to honor him for his 15, 25 and 50 years of service.

Chacho worked a total of 78 years with the department before his passing.

Although there's a sadness that's felt among the members as they remembered him, they say there's smiles and laughter too.

"I think his memory will live on with those smiles, those laughs, to what happened in yesteryear,” says Krize.

Chacho leaves behind a son.

The fire department plans to hold a memorial service in the coming weeks.