The Canadian flag is flying at the Geneseo Fire department today in honor of Matthew Hutchinson.
The 24-year-old Vancouver native was one of three people found dead in a home on Wadsworth Street in the Village of Geneseo early Sunday morning.
Hutchinson found time to work as a volunteer firefighter since November, 2012, despite his full time studies and spot on the school's hockey team. Geneseo fire chief Andrew Chanler considered him a role model in the department.
"He was an outstanding firefighter. He had a personality that was just tremendous. He was a very likeable person who made friends easily. He was respected by all the members of the department."
Chanler said he and his fellow firefighters are still in a state of shock and are devastated by Hutchinson's death. "We're trying to reach out to our members and provide any assistance to our members and friends of Matt's and hope that everyone can come to grips with this," he said.
The department is also considering how it might pay tribute to their young colleague.
