Family and community members attend funeral for fallen FDNY firefighter Patrick Brady
BROOKLYN (WABC) -- The oceanfront community of Belle Harbor, Queens, saw a sea of blue in its streets and bright red letters emanating sorrow.
A fire engine quietly rolled toward the church. New York's bravest was silent except for the procession that led the flag-draped casket of firefighter Patrick D. Brady to his final resting place.
It was a painful goodbye for his wife, for his band of brothers and sisters in the FDNY, and for his own firefighter family - brothers, uncles and cousins who have given so much to the job.
"When you love the Rockaways as much as Pat did, it's easy to see why he treated everyone like family. When he crossed that bridge, he was home," cousin Peter Brady said.
"Serving as a bartender on his off time, loved ones say Brady had a knack for bringing everyone together," Brady's best friend, Bernadette, told mourners. "Pat absolutely loved being a fireman, loved all his guys. Last couple of days meeting everyone has been an absolute pleasure - because that was his dream."
A dream realized in a significant way, as the outgoing fire commissioner made a decision he described as not typical in the department.
"Out of a sense of great love, abundance of gratitude for all Pat did for the FDNY, for the gift of Pat, that I posthumously promote him to the rank of lieutenant in the FDNY," Commissioner Robert Tucker announced.
Before Saturday's funeral, community members came to mourn firefighter Brady during a wake on Friday.
He died last Saturday after he went into cardiac arrest while fighting a fire in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Brady's wake was held at Marine Park Funeral Home in Brooklyn on Friday. It was a moment for New York's Finest to remember their fallen brother.
"It's absolutely important to display brotherhood and support the family," said Daniel Coleman of Battalion 3. "It's going to take a long time, but every day he'll be missed and I just hope they gain some kind of peace at some point."
The 42-year-old had 11 years on the job and died last Saturday, suffering a heart attack while battling a fire in Brownsville.
His ties to New York's Bravest run deep. Brady's two brothers, Jimmy and Brian, are FDNY Firefighters. His cousins and uncles are also FDNY Firefighters.
Brady lived in Far Rockaway, Queens. He is survived by his wife, Cara.
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