Jack Holder will be remembered as a tough but caring firefighter who was a stickler for public safety.

A firefighter who retired as Nacogdoches Fire Department's deputy chief in 1997, Holder died Wednesday. He was 74.

Holder's earliest stint with NFD was in the early 1950s.

Assistant Fire Marshal Del Birdwell grew up with Holder's son, Jeff, and remembers seeing Holder around the fire station and recognizing his genuine character.

"He took care of his people," Birdwell said. "His main concern was the people who worked for him."

He said that many people at the fire station looked up to Holder.

"He was THE fireman," he said. "That's just one way to describe him."

Holder was known as a passionate hobbyist outside of work. He was an enthusiast, especially upon retirement, of motorcycles, wood carving, hunting, fishing and archery.

"He was one of the most interesting people that I've ever been around," said Robert Templin, who worked under Holder for many years and assumed the role of deputy chief after his retirement.

Templin said that whenever Holder picked up a new hobby, he became engrossed in it. His wood-carved ducks looked true-to-life, he said.

Templin is set to deliver a eulogy at Holder's funeral today. He said it wouldn't be difficult to string up a few stories about a man for whom he had a lot of respect.

"He was a fun guy at the firehouse, always thinking about his people," he said. "I've had a lot of fun with him over the years."

Holder's memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.