NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Hundreds in the Plainville community and beyond have turned out to pay their final respects to Volunteer Firefighter Ray Moreau who lost his life in the line of duty last Sunday.
The 60-year-old Moreau, who had served in the department since 1990, died when a piece of a firetruck fell on him and crushed him during a response to a large house fire.
The community gathered to celebrate Moreau's life as a family man and dedicated public servant at Central Connecticut State University's Welte Hall on Saturday at 10 a.m.
"If there's anything that Ray taught us by the way he lived, it's that we're meant to move toward one another, not just in times of danger but in times of grief...Ray ran toward those who needed him, and now it's our turn to carry that forward," said Jeffrey Gnazzo, the Life Celebrant of the Plainville Funeral Home.
He enjoyed jet skiing and watching NASCAR in Charlotte as well as competitive bowling leagues.
Moreau is also remembered for being a big part of the Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival each year.
Not only did he help fight fires, Plainville Fire Chief Thomas Moschini noted he helped with events and bookkeeping for the department.
Governor Lamont ordered flags to remain at half-staff across the state until Saturday evening after the funeral.
