North College Hill Fire Department mourns loss of long-time firefighter

The North College Hill Fire Department is mourning the loss of a veteran firefighter who served the department for decades. The fire department announced via social media last week that Doug Eikens, age 57, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 15. According to the North College Hill Fire Department, Eikens served as a firefighter for 31 years, first as a volunteer and most recently as a fire inspector and law enforcement officer. Eikens also worked for the Colerain Township Fire and Emergency Services Department for 28 years, where he served as a firefighter, paramedic and fire inspector. The fire department said Eikens was actively involved in organizations such as the Greater Cincinnati HazMat Team, Hamilton County Urban Search and Rescue (Ohio USAR Region 6) and the Knights of Columbus, where he taught CPR and first aid. A public wake for Eikens will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at St. Ann's Church on W. Galbraith Road. A funeral mass will then be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Ann Church. A funeral procession will follow at 10:30 a.m., stopping at the Colerain Fire Station and North College Hill Fire Department. The mass will also be live-streamed on the St. Ann Church website.