BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The war in Iraq is hitting close to home again.

NewsChannel5 reported an attack at Camp Victory, the main U.S. base near Baghdad International Airport and what is supposed to be the most secure area in Baghdad has claimed the life of a U.S. State Department agent from northeast Ohio. He was in the shower when a bomb or rocket exploded near his base.

WEWS reported Ed Seitz was an extraordinary man from an extraordinary family. He was the son and brother of police officers and he also served on the Cleveland Heights and East Cleveland Police Departments.

Standing under an American flag at his home in Broadview Heights, his brother, Billy Seitz, told WEWS that his brother had dedicated his life to state department security.

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U.S. Diplomat Killed In Iraq

"He was 100 percent into the government and 100 percent into doing what he wanted to do to defeat terrorism," he said. "And that's what he did. That's what he gave his life for."

Seitz, a 41-year-old Holy Name High School graduate, died early Sunday morning when an explosive was lobbed into the green zone.

"He was just an amazing man," said his sister-in-law Colleen Seitz. "There was just nothing that he wouldn't do for someone. Every time he'd get on the phone ... what can I do for you? What do you need? What can I help with? That's just the way he was and that's what he was trying to do there."

Seitz had been in Iraq for less than three months.

He leaves behind a wife, parents and his brother, who through his pain takes great pride in what made his brother who he was.

"His work was his life," Billy Seitz said. “He did what he could to protect this country and to keep terrorism from your front door. That's what he did and how he did it. That's what made him Eddy. That's what made him my brother."

Secretary of State Colin Powell called Ed Seitz "a brave American, dedicated to his country and to a brighter future for the people of his Iraq."

Officials say Seitz is believed to be the first U.S. diplomat killed in Iraq since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003.

The family also released an official statement.

"The family and friends of State Department Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent Ed Seitz would like to express their profound sadness and grief as they mourn Ed's tragic death in Baghdad. Ed was a devoted husband,

son, and friend whose spirit and goodness touched the hearts of every person

with whom he came into contact. Those who knew Ed will forever miss his unwaivering commitment, loyalty, and love, along with his amazing sense of humor.

Members of Ed's family have requested that all further media inquiries be directed to the State Department Diplomatic Security Service, and that the media honor their right to privacy during this very difficult time." Colleen Seitz is the executive producer of NewsNet5.

A memorial will be held at Holy Name High School at 10 a.m. Tuesday.