Wake For FDNY Firefighter William Tolley Continues On Long Island
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A long line of mourners is expected again Wednesday as the wake for FDNY firefighter William Tolley continues on Long Island.
The wake was being held at Chapey & Sons Funeral Home on Wednesday afternoon, and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Bethpage.
"He loved his job, he loved all these guys you know. Him and all these guys behind me, what a great family," Captain Carl Italiano said.
On Tuesday, Tolley's widow and 8-year-old daughter were joined by hundreds of Tolley's colleagues and friends.
Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro remembered Tolley's kindness and generosity.
"He volunteered with Make-A-Wish, with Wounded Warriors," he said. "He was part of our ceremonial unit. He'd be standing out in the rain at any other funeral, but unfortunately we're here for him."
Tolley, a member of Ladder 135 Engine 286, was killed while responding to a fire at a single unit apartment on Putnam Avenue in Queens last week.
The 14-year-old veteran fell to his death when something went wrong as he was standing on the roof of the five-story building.
His funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Martin of Tours on Central Avenue in Bethpage.
