'One Big Family': Strong Showing Of Firefighters In Worcester At Wake For Christopher Roy

BOSTON (CBS) – Hundreds of firefighters from all over gathered at Saint John's Church in Worcester Friday to honor the life of fallen firefighter Christopher Roy.

Roy died Sunday while fighting a five-alarm fire on Lowell Street.

Over 400 firefighters from Worcester and other companies were the first to enter the church for Roy's wake - a private walk-through that included a salute at his casket.

"It shows [the family] that there is support and that we're here for them and for Chris," retired Worcester District Fire Chief Frank Diliddo said. "We stand by them in their time of sorrow and grief and we'll be here for them in the future."

The 36-year-old Roy was known as a passionate firefighter and a devoted single father to his 9-year-old daughter Ava, who was the light of his life.

The City of Worcester announced Monday that Worcester Firefighters IAFF Local 1009 has established a fund to benefit Ava. Checks made out to the AVA ROY FUND can be mailed to the Worcester Fire Department Credit Union at 34 Glennie St., Worcester, MA 01605.

So far about $50,000 has been raised through the fund.

Roy's mother says he was a hard worker who loved to hunt, go antiquing, go to the beach, be outside and more than anything to be with his family.

Firefighters from across New England traveled to Worcester to pay their respects, including Art Williamson from West Springfield.

Web Extra: Firefighters Salute Christopher Roy

"This is something we do to honor our fallen brother," said Williamson. "It's one big family. I could go into a firehouse in Louisiana and be treated just like I am in a firehouse in West Springfield. So when one of us falls we get together and we honor them."

Calling hours begin at Saint John 's Church at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon. The funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m.

Because of Friday's services there will be some road closures and detours.

Temple Street in Worcester will be closed from Harding to Green Streets from 2-8 p.m.

Traffic will also be reduced to one lane on Francis J. Mcgrath Blvd. and there will be no parking on Temple Street beginning at noon.