Hundreds turned out Saturday to pay their respects to an Easton Firefigther who lost his life during Hurricane Sandy.
Lt. Russell Neary, 55, died when a tree fell on the firetruck he was in while answering a call Monday night on Judd Road in Easton.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Neary's family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this terrible time," Malloy said. "He died in the line of duty doing what he loved to do: helping people."
A memorial mass for Lt. Neary will be held today at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 655 Morehouse Road in Easton.
Gov. Malloy has directed that Connecticut state flags be lowered to have staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday to honor Lt. Neary.
"Connecticut's first responders put themselves in harm's way every single day, and we are deeply grateful for their work and the sacrifices they make on behalf of the state," Malloy said.
Neary, who was a 13-year volunteer firefighter with the Easton Fire Department, leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
