Former NCIS Star Pauley Perrette's Fire Chief Uncle Dies

Beloved former "NCIS" star Pauley Perrette's uncle passed away, and the actress took to social media to pay a special tribute to the Fire Chief who saved "thousands" of lives.

Pauley went from 15 seasons of drama on "NCIS" to comedy with a role in the series "Broke," but now the actress is taking time to grieve the loss of a loved one.

Taking to social media, Pauley shared that her "beloved" uncle Doug, who worked as a Fire Chief in Tennessee, passed away.

A friend asked me ‘how many lives do you think he saved?’ And I said ‘thousands,'" Pauley wrote in tribute to one of her favorite people in the world. "And I think of him in heaven with my mom and about his smile. And I smile. We were blessed to know him."

Some of Pauley's former "NCIS" co-stars responded with words of support, as Lauren Holly said that she will be "saying a prayer," while Brian Dietzen also sent his condolences and wrote:

“I’m so sorry P. He looks like a great guy. Sending prayers.”

While the actress's days as Abby Scuito on the popular drama came to a close, so did her time on the comedy "Broke." CBS didn't renew it for a second season, and she spoke fondly of her time on the show.

Sharing that it "restored [her] faith in people," Pauley said that she felt eternally grateful for having worked with the best cast and crew "ever." Pauley feels "most proud" of her accomplishments on the show, and added that it made her "whole."

When Pauley's mom passed away back in 2002, she paid tribute to her legacy by opening a bakeshop in the "Hell's Kitchen" neighborhood of New York City.

Donna Bell's Bake Shop opened its doors in April 2011, and produced goods inspired by Pauley's Southern upbringing.

During her early years, Pauley initially wanted to pursue a career in criminology, but after earning a master's degree at Valdosta State College, she landed a recurring role in the 1996 legal drama "Murder One."

Building on the success of her role, Pauley then went on to become one of the most beloved characters on "NCIS" - the forensic scientist Abby Scuito. However, she is also a musician and owns an independent music label.

Similar to her uncle, Pauley Perrette's father also received a tribute to honor his achievements during a lifetime of service to others.

While her father is still very much alive, she shared that he is 83 years old and still dedicated to his work as a firefighter in her home state of Alabama.