Honorary firefighter Tyler Doohan – Funeral for hero child
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A funeral for Tyler Doohan, Lewis Beach, and Steve Smith was held today at Saint John of Rochester Church in Fairport. Tyler has inspired people from across the country with his heroic actions the morning of the fire.
Crystal Vrooman, Tyler’s mom, was visibly shaken when she took the podium. “I know you are watching this, and you should be so proud of yourself. You were honored as a fireman and you were only 9.You made me the proudest mother anybody could ever be,” Vrooman said.
Annette Lein, Democrat & Chronicle
Dave Andreatta, Democrat & Chronicle:
The family of Tyler Doohan did not want a funeral procession.
But that did not stop a steady stream of cars from filing into the parking lot of St. John of Rochester Catholic Church in Perinton on Wednesday to pay their respects to the boy whose heroism touched hearts around the globe.
Firefighters from departments around the Rochester area and as far away as Buffalo lined the walls of the lobby church wearing dress blues and white gloves. Outside, fire engines lined the streets and firefighters directed traffic.
At the entrance to the church, Penfield Fire Chief Chris Ebmeyer held a white and red helmet with a shield bearing Doohan’s name, which he presented to Doohan’s mother.
“We consider him an honorary firefighter,” Ebmeyer said.
