BANKS COUNTY, Ga. – Captain Richie Alford is being referred to as ‘a true hero’ in the wake of his passing after he rescued two distressed swimmers who were caught in a rip current in Panama Beach, Fl.

Captain Richie Alford, Ret., served as a fireman for the Banks County Fire Department (BCFD). He tragically passed away Thursday, June 15, after he heroically went to rescue two swimmers who were caught in a rip current.

Captain Alford was referred to as ‘a friend and a brother, not just an employee’ in a post from the BCFD.

They stated that he was unable to make it back to shore after his life saving efforts.

“Richie died doing what he loved which was helping others in their time of need. He is a true hero,” the post read.

Captain Alford’s memorial service will be held tomorrow, June 22, at The Torch Worship Center in Cornelia, GA at 1:00 p.m.

The Banks County Fire Department gave more details on the memorial, stating, “Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Lula, GA. The funeral precession will follow the service at The Torch and take the following route from The Torch to 365 to Hwy 441 to Historic Homer Hwy to Hwy 51 South to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.”

They have also created a memorial 5k in his honor. The Richie Alford Memorial 5k/One Mile Run will be held Saturday, July 22.

The fun run starts at 8:00 a.m. and the 5k starts at 9:00 a.m. All Public Safety participants are asked to wear their gear for the race but this is not a requirement.