A funeral was held on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at the Mountain Arts Center for Ronnie Burke. Burke was a member of Unit 213 with the Prestonsburg Fire Department, as well as a volunteer firefighter with David and Middle Creek Fire Departments. He passed away at the age of 62 on November 1, following a bout with illness. The Prestonsburg Fire Department released a statement saying Burke was a brother to their department, a mentor to many, and a life couch to all. They thanked elected officials and agencies who participated in memorial honors and asked for thoughts and prayers for his family.