Hundreds Mourn LA Firefighter Killed In Fall
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) — Firefighters gathered in downtown Los Angeles Friday morning to mourn a colleague killed when he fell from an aerial ladder during training earlier this month.
More than 1,000 fire personnel from across the Southwestern U.S. joined Mayor Eric Garcetti and other officials in a service for Los Angeles Firefighter Kelly Wong at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels at 555 W. Temple St in downtown L.A.
The 29-year-old Wong fell from the ladder on June 3 and died two days later.
Wong was an avid outdoorsman and pilot. He attended Upland High School and graduated with honors from Mt. San Antonio College. While a firefighter, he specifically requested to serve on Skid Row, Deacon Steve Greco emphasized in the service.
"Kelly wanted to serve the marginalized, he wanted to serve whoever needed help," Greco said.
Officials say Wong was participating in a training exercise at the Barclay Hotel in the 300 block of South Main Street in downtown L.A. when the incident occurred. LAFD said he landed on the top of the truck and was immediately treated by fellow firefighters at the scene before being taken to the hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries on June 5.
He had been with LAFD for two years. He left behind a wife, Danielle, and an infant son, Colton.
"His greatest gift, not just to you and to your family, but to all of us, that handsome and happy Colton," an emotional Garcetti said.
Firefighters took part in a short procession that began at 8 a.m. on Main and First streets. It headed north to Temple Street, then west along Temple Street to the cathedral.
The service was closed with 10 solemn bells and Wong's casket was carried by Engine No. 292, the last station he served.
He is being laid to rest with a private burial in Orange County.
Meanwhile, Wong's LAFD badge #3389 was flashing across Los Angeles Metro buses Friday morning.
WATCH the procession below.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)