Video: Thousands attend funeral service for fallen Firefighter Jared Lloyd

Spring Valley Firefighter Jared Lloyd, who was killed battling a blaze at an assisted living facility, was laid to rest on Saturday

April 04, 2021 11:52 AM

By Laura French

POMONA, N.Y. — Thousands gathered Saturday to pay their respects to fallen Spring Valley (N.Y.) Firefighter Jared Lloyd, of Columbian Engine Company No. 1, who was killed in the line of duty last month while battling a blaze at an assisted living facility.

Lloyd, 35, was honored at a funeral service held at Palisades Credit Union Park in Pomona, where scores of firefighters, family members and friends paid tribute to the 15-year volunteer and father of two, according to CBS New York. Lloyd’s body was escorted by the Rockland County Police Emerald Society Pipes & Drums and several officials and loved ones spoke about Lloyd’s life and heroism.

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“The pain in my lungs pales in comparison to the pain in my heart right now,” said Firefighter Eric Cich, the godfather of Lloyd’s youngest son and a member of his crew who was hospitalized for smoke inhalation after the fire, according to CBS New York.

Cich added that he would say to his godson, “Your father died a hero. He died saving lives.”

The funeral service was followed by a procession to the Columbian Engine Company No. 1 firehouse for a ceremonial last call before continuing to Brick Church Cemetery, according to ABC 7.

A fundraiser for Lloyd’s sons Darius, 5, and Logan, 6, has raised nearly $600,000 since it was launched on March 24. The circumstances of the blaze at the assisted living facility, which also killed one resident, remain under investigation. More than 100 residents were rescued from the burning facility.