COLORADO SPRINGS – A firefighter for the small southern Colorado town of Penrose has died in a work-related accident.

Greg Gatzke died while working at Fort Carson for a contracted job Wednesday, said Brandy Gill, a spokeswoman for the post. The Gazette reported that no details about the death have been released, and the accident will be investigated independently by several agencies.

Col. Nate Springer, Fort Carson garrison commander, said Gatzke was a longtime friend and a respected employee of the Fort Carson Army Field Support Battalion, Akima Support Operations.

“Greg had a close relationship with the Fort Carson Fire Department and the U.S. Army Garrison. He will be greatly missed,” Springer said.

Gatzke was an assistant fire chief in Penrose, about 40 miles south of Colorado Springs.