How did firefighter William Moon die? Thousands mourn fallen FDNY hero at Long Island funeral
LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: Firefighter William Moon was remembered as a true hero at his funeral, gathered by his family, friends, and colleagues in Bay Shore on December 28, to mourn his loss. Even in death, the FDNY veteran continued to help others as his donated organs will save the lives of two fellow firefighters.
Outside the St.Patrick's Roman Catholic Church where Moon's funeral was conducted, thousands of uniformed firefighters paid their final respects to the veteran, who was killed in a training accident at his Brooklyn firehouse, reports the New York Post.
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Aspiring to become a firefighter like his 47-year-old father, Moon's 8-year-old son, Colin, said, “He describes himself as being cool, being awesome, and the smartest in the world. My sister says he’s not. I say he is. I will never forget how he taught me to roller skate.” The firefighter's widow Kristina described her husband as a devoted father and a loving partner whose dedication to the fire service was of great importance to the family's life.
She said, “My name is Colin Moon and I love him so much. Some may have already heard me say recently that marrying Billy was like a marriage to the firehouse. His dedication and love for the job were intertwined into our daily lives. I have a video of the kids responding to their own calls. He wasn’t allowed to leave the house until telling them what he had."
“Many have often heard me say I am raising the female version of Billy in Brianne and the mini-me version of him in Colin. Therefore I know his big personality and a strong sense of passion in life will live on as they grow and carry his legacy. Billy, you’re my best friend,” Kristina added.
On December 12, while training for a skyscraper rescue in Ocean Hill, Moon, a 21-year veteran of the department who is a member of the FDNY’s elite Rescue Company 2, was killed when he fell 20 feet. The tragic incident victim was the 1,159th member of the department to die in the line of duty. As his family chose to donate Moon's organs, the hero will save at least five lives, according to the New York Post.
Outside the Long Island church for the funeral, FDNY United Firefighters Association president, Andrew Ansbro said, “Billy donated his organs to save the lives of two firefighters. Yes, two New York City firefighters, yes,” Ansbro said referring to Moon who is known as 'Billy'. “And other people. Even in death, he continued to save lives.”
Moon “exemplified the FDNY in every way,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh who added that “he was the type of person the FDNY attracts and the type of person the FDNY shapes.”
"He was not a hero because he was superhuman. He was a hero because he was a man who chose to dedicate himself more fully to those around him every single day. Billy’s story isn’t ending today. It's a journey," Kavanagh said.
The FDNY began his professional career in 2002 with Ladder Company 133 in Queens spending 20 years there before he joined Rescue 2. Serving as chief in 2017, the veteran was also a part of the Islip Volunteer Fire Department on Long Island.
The deceased firefighter is survived by his wife, Kristina, and their two young children. To support the education of Moon's children, the FDNY Foundation has started an education fund.