NORTH HAVEN, Conn. — On Tuesday, more than 1,000 people said goodbye to North Haven Firefighter Matthias Wirtz at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish, St. Barnabas Church. The funeral began at 11 a.m., with a procession kicking things off just before.
The 22-year veteran of the fire department died the morning after Christmas while responding to a two-alarm fire on Quinnipiac Ave. The medical examiner has since said he died of heart disease, among other things.
"Matt was doing everything right. Dropped the hose at the end of the driveway. Driving up to the house. Going to work," said Chief Paul Januszewski with the North Haven Fire Department.
Chief Januszewski gave a eulogy at the ceremony, along with other members of the department and a childhood friend.
“His work ethic was something that you just can't define...he took every overtime assignment, every off-duty assignment," Chief Januszewski said during the ceremony. "He had a big smile. He lit up the room and when he came in for a handshake, you guarded your hand because you knew it was going to hurt. If he went in for a hug, you knew you were in for a real ride."
Januszewski described Wirtz’s last moments before he collapsed while responding to the fire on Dec. 26th. He said Wirtz was operating fire engine 9 outside of the home. His last words on the radio were, “Roger, ready for water." Now, listening back to the scanners, Januszewski knows he was hurting at that time.
“But he wasn’t going to say anything to anybody because he knew his brothers were inside looking for occupants. He knew that failure wasn’t an option. And he was putting everybody else above himself, just what he has done his entire life," Januszewski said.
"Respectful. Big heart. Generous. Helping everybody, always lending a hand," said Juergen Weber, a friend of Wirtz.
He was recalling what he's been hearing from everyone over the last week, as they all share memories of Matt.
"Matt was a family man, he loved to be there for his people," Weber said.
And he had a lot of "people". Aside from a wife, a mother, and step children, Wirtz was a 22-year veteran of the fire department. He also was a member of New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and part of the Meriden Turner German Society....just to name a few.
"Four very different organizations all with the same goal. To improve their communities and serve their communities through works of good. And that is exactly who Matt was," said Thomas Haggerty, President of the North Haven Professional Fire Fighters Association.
Watch Januszewski's full remarks here.
Wirtz was a decorated member of the North Haven Fire Dept. and was among those who responded to New York City after 9/11. He is survived by his mother, wife and stepchildren.
The calling hours for the fallen firefighter took place on Monday. From Waterbury to Southington, men and women in blue lined up outside of the funeral home for hours to pay their respects.
For those who wish to donate in Matt's honor, a contribution can be made in his name to North Haven Professional Firefighters Charitable Association, PO Box 191, North Haven, CT 06473.
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.