Somerset Fire Chief Scott Jepson remembered for contributions to community

SOMERSET, Mass. (WJAR) — The American flag flew at half-staff Friday outside the Somerset Fire Department, which was draped in black bunting in memory of Fire Chief Scott Jepson, who died unexpectedly.

A sign outside the fire headquarters said "Forever our brother. RIP Chief J."

"We're hurting today. We lost a member of our family," said Deputy Chief Jamison Barros.

Jepson was found injured at home Thursday. He was transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of his death has not been released, but officials said they did not suspect foul play.

Jepson was a 27-year veteran of the Somerset Fire Department. He was named chief in 2008.

"He was my friend. He was my brother," Barros said. "He cared about everyone. He was a great man. Very well loved and respected."

Fall River Fire Chief John Lynch said he knew Jepson for 17 years and referred to him as a great man, great community member and someone who smiled easily.

"He was a major player in the fire service. Especially in the area. His loss is going to create a huge hole right now," said Fall River Fire Chief John Lynch.

"Chief Jepson, as long as I've known him was a born leader. He was a very, very good fire chief. He was a solid friend. He was a solid member of the community and just and all around great human being," Lynch told NBC 10 News.

"It's just a testament to the man that he was. He touched folks in our community. He touched members of our community. He was well loved, well known in town. It's a great loss for us all," Barros said.

Jepson was 54. He is survived by his wife and a son.

Funeral arrangements were pending.