Victim of cruise ship fire had passion for helping people

<p>A man who died during a cruise ship fire was remembered by a friend as someone who had a passion for public service and helping people.</p><p>Richard Liffridge, 72, died after flames erupted on the Star Princess as the ship made its way from the Cayman Islands to Jamaica last week. Princess Cruises officials have said he died of cardiac arrest.</p><p>Family friend Norwood Sloan, who lives in Delaware, said early Monday that funeral arrangements had not yet been finalized because family members were still waiting for the body to arrive in the Unites States.</p><p>Sloan said two funerals would be held for Liffridge. One would be in Georgia where he had spent the last few years of his life. Another funeral would be in Delaware, where he'd lived much of his life and still had ties.</p><p>Liffridge's wife, Victoria, was back home in Georgia, Sloan said. She had been hospitalized after the fire for smoke inhalation and was still suffering from the effects of it, he said.</p><p>Sloan, who served with Liffridge in the Air Force, said the father of four liked government work.</p><p>"He was a career serviceman," Sloan said. "He loved the service."</p><p>After leaving the Air Force, Liffridge went on to work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.</p><p>Sloan said the two enjoyed watching movies together. Liffridge was also an avid reader.</p><p>"He had a lot of friends," Sloan said, adding that Liffridge was easy to get along with and always willing to help others.</p><p>Liffridge was on the cruise celebrating his birthday with his wife and some friends, Sloan said.</p><p>Eleven people were injured in the Thursday fire, which left a large charred spot on the ship. A smoldering cigarette was suspected as the cause of the fire.</p><p>The Star Princess had set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on March 19.</p>