Firefighters stand in formation as Chief Packer's body is prepared for removal from the plane.

The chief of East Pierce Fire & Rescue was killed fighting a California wildfire on Saturday, and the days since then have been just surreal - and very painful - for family, friends and fellow firefighters.

His body was flown in Wednesday on a U.S. Forest Service firefighting plane.

Chief Dan Packer

As he was moved slowly in state across the tarmac, bagpipes played and family members wept along the side of the runway.

This wasn't the way he was supposed to return home. But he died Saturday as he checked out a dangerous ridge in Northern California where he was helping depleted crews battle raging wildfires.

Investigators say the 49-year-old veteran firefighter was trapped by flames and put up his heat shelter - but died inside that shelter. He was overrun by the fire when the wind shifted.

It's still unclear whether the late chief volunteered or was ordered to go into the fire to survey conditions. Sources tell KOMO News it was clearly a zone that should have been off-limits.

An investigation into his death is ongoing.

Packer dedicated 27 years to the fire service. The last 13 years were spent serving as what his colleagues describe as an exceptional leader of East Pierce Fire and Rescue.

Now, the community has lost a husband, grandfather, son, friend and protector.

A memorial service for Chief Packer is planned for next Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Christian Faith Center in Federal Way.