First responders honor Westlake firefighter with funeral procession

LAKEWAY, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - A line of fire engines followed trucks from the Oakhill Fire Department, Lake Travis, Pedernales and Austin, flashing their lights through Lakeway to say goodbye to one of their own.

Lt. Chris Askew was a part of the Westlake Fire Department for 15 years and Sunday, after a brief battle with lung cancer, he passed away. Friends and family gathered Friday to honor Lt. Askew and put him to rest. Lt. Rusty DeFoy described Askew as a calming force during emergency situations and a leader who mentored many young firefighters.

"He was extremely outgoing, jovial, hardworking guy, " DeFoy said. "We are a small department we have right at 30 employees so losing a pillar of our department, the toll it takes on our department and the entire county all of our neighbors that we work with those effects stay with us for a long time." 

Flags fly at half-staff at both Westlake fire stations. Lt. Rusty Defoy said the department has received a great deal of support from the community.

People have stopped by and brought food, flowers and their condolences.

Aside from fighting fires, Askew was a real estate broker and at one time a professional golfer.

His friends say he still enjoyed a good round of golf.

Lt. Askew leaves behind a wife and two children. The Westlake Fire Department is collecting money for Askew's family to keep them afloat during this difficult time. People can donate here.