BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The father of the first Kern County soldier killed in Afghanistan died Monday. Family members found Prosser in his wheelchair at his Frazier Park home.

Brian Prosser was thrust into the spotlight after his son, Cody Prosser, was killed during "Operation Enduring Freedom" in December 2001.

Prosser was a firefighter in Los Angeles for 18 years. After his retirement, Prosser suffered a neck injury that left his legs, and part of his arms, paralyzed. He became a spokesman for families who had lost loved ones in war, while pushing the community to be more patriotic.

On Sept. 11, 2003, KERO visited Prosser at his home. He said the 9-11 terror attacks changed the country for better and for worse.

Prosser died of natural causes, according to family members.

A firefighter's funeral service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park, where a memorial stands in tribute to his son. The date of the funeral has not been determined.