Thousands Turn Out for New York Firefighter's Funeral

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(New York-WABC, December 9, 2004) -- A New York firefighter who died on active duty in Iraq was remembered Thursday as "the true definition of a hero."

The funeral Mass for Sgt. Christian Engeldrum was overflowing with police, firefighters and uniformed military officials who talked about his bravery and his kind heart.

Engeldrum was also a former city police officer. He died on November 29th when a car bomb hit his vehicle outside Baghdad. He was the first city employee of any kind to die in the U.S.-led war.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke, saying: "There was no danger that Chris was not willing to risk for his fellow New Yorkers and his fellow Americans. He was, as the love of his life, his wife, Sharon, has said, the ultimate patriot."

Engeldrum left behind two teenage sons and a wife pregnant with their third child.

One of the sons, 18-year-old Sean, gave an emotional eulogy for his father, receiving thunderous applause from the mourners. "My dad is the greatest man I will ever know," he said. "I only hope to be half the man he was." He added: "He was brave and courageous all the time, but able to cry over a sick dog."

Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Governor George Pataki and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton also attended the Mass, held at St. Benedict's church in the Bronx.

Also in attendance: Daniel Swift, a New York firefighter who was injured in the same attack. In uniform, wearing an eye patch and with one steel crutch under his right arm, he was escorted up the church steps by fellow firefighters.

The day was draped in mournful ritual: Black-and-purple cloth covered the grille of the fire truck that carried Engeldrum's body to the church for the two-hour service.

On the truck, his fireman's coat - black, with yellow reflecting tape - was displayed, folded so that the name "Engeldrum" was visible.

"He was always helpful to new soldiers coming on board," Spc. Gregory Burke, who served in Engeldrum's platoon, said outside the church. "He kept his eye out for them always."

Engeldrum will be buried Friday at Arlington National Cemetery.

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