Hundreds attend funeral for FDNY Firefighter William Moon, critically hurt preparing for drill at Brooklyn firehouse
NEW YORK -- Hundreds of members of the FDNY joined the family of Firefighter Billy Moon on Thursday for a final farewell.
It was a mournful day as hundreds of people packed the pews at Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Bay Shore, Long Island for the funeral.
Mayor Eric Adams and Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh joined those who came to honor Moon and his decades of service.
Moon, 47, suffered a fatal head injury preparing for a drill at his Brooklyn firehouse on Dec. 12.
He joined the fire department in 2002 and started his career at Ladder Company 133 in Queens, where he worked for 20 years before joining Rescue Company 2 in Brooklyn.
Moon also volunteered with the Islip Volunteer Fire Department in his hometown. He served as the department's chief in 2017.
Moon's family made the decision to donate his organs. Officials said he helped save five people, including two New York City firefighters.
Moon remembered as loving father, devoted husband
Hundreds of FDNY members joined Firefighter William Moon's family for a final farewell Thursday. It was a dignified goodbye in Bay Shore, Long Island for a man everyone called a hero.
"Marrying Billy was like a marriage to the firehouse. His dedication and love for the job was intertwined into our daily lives," said Kristina Moon.
Moon, 47, was saluted and remembered by hundreds at Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church. He died after being critically injured during a drill in his Brooklyn firehouse, described as one of the most elite in New York City.
"Billy Moon was our dream. He was a dream to have on our rig even for the short time, and he made us all better," said FDNY Rescue 2 Captain Liam J. Flaherty.
Moon is remembered for loving his family and his job.
"He lives on because he chose always to take his promise to others one step further. That is the type of person Billy was and the person we all hope to be. This department will hold the memory of Firefighter Billy Moon in our hearts forever and we will never forget him," said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.
Moon spent 21 years at the FDNY and joined Rescue 2 in Brooklyn almost a year ago.
Thursday morning, Moon's casket, draped in a flag, was raised onto a firetruck to be brought to the funeral. His grieving wife and children held back tears. He was brought to the church, surrounded by a motorcade, where prayers and psalms were sung.
Moon was described as a dedicated and loving father, and a devoted husband who will be mourned dearly.
"He describes himself as being cool, being awesome and being the smartest person in the world. My sister says he's not. I say he is," Moon's son Colin said with a smile.
"Many have often heard me say I'm raising the female version of Billy and Brianne and the mini me version of in Colin. Therefore, I know his big personality and strong sense of passion in life will live on as they grow and carry his legacy. Billy, you're my best friend. You will be our forever hero. We love you, 100 percent," said Kristina Moon.
The heartbreak in the church could be felt across the area.
Watch the funeral
Hundreds pack Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Bay Shore
Thursday is the a final farewell for Firefighter William Moon, who was fatally injured during a training accident at a Brooklyn firehouse earlier this month.
Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Bay Shore was packed with firefighters and loved ones of Moon, who everyone called Billy. People who knew him both personally and professionally were remembering just how passionate he was about his career, calling the 47-year-old one of the best firefighters in the FDNY.
It was a mournful day as hundreds of people packed the pews of the church. Mayor Eric Adams and Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh joined the many people who came to honor Moon, to thank him for his 21 years of service to the FDNY, and to try to console his family, which now has to go on without him.
Following a wake in East Islip on Wednesday, a hearse carrying Moon's casket went to the funeral home and then to the church on Thursday morning.
Moon lived on Long Island, but worked in Brooklyn. His love for firefighting was evident. He became a volunteer at the age of 19, and spent decades trying to protect people.
When he was fatally injured on the job, his family decided to donate his organs to allow him to save lives even in death. His family, including his young children, are expected to deliver eulogies.
Many who came to remember him said it's a continuation of his legacy of service.
Moon came from a family of firefighters, including his father and cousin. He leaves behind a wife, and two children.
How to watch the funeral
CBS News New York will stream coverage of the funeral starting at 11 a.m.
You can watch by downloading the CBS News app on any device or smart tv.
Hit "live" and find us on CBS News New York, or watch on the Pluto TV app, where you can find us on channel 400.
Long Island community mourns Firefighter Moon
Firefighters came from far and wide Wednesday to honor the hero who selflessly helped others, even after his death.
The doleful day was marked with teary-eyed visitors who walked into the funeral home. Purple ribbon adorns the streets and poles, and a massive American flag proudly hangs from fire ladders along Montauk Highway.
At 19 years old, Moon started as a volunteer firefighter on Long Island. He then joined Ladder Company 133 in Queens and was training at Rescue Company 2 in Brooklyn when he suffered a head injury.
Moon is a 21-year veteran of the FDNY and also volunteered at the department in his hometown.
The man who dedicated his life to saving others leaves behind a wife, two children and a whole community of people whose lives were touched by his bravery.
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