Procession Held for Fallen North Haven Firefighter

First responders escorted fallen firefighter Matthias Wirtz back to North Haven on Wednesday with a procession to the funeral home.

Wirtz, 46, died early Monday morning while fighting a fire at a home on Quinnipiac Avenue.

According to the state medical examiner, Wirtz's death was natural, caused by a number of factors including cardiovascular disease.

On Tuesday, firefighters and other first responders gathered to escort Wirtz from Yale New Haven Hospital.

Tuesday's procession began with bagpipes and drums played by the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums band. It was a band Wirtz was a member of for 20 years.

Funeral plans are underway, but there is no word yet on a date.

Local

Farmington 45 mins ago

I-84 East in Farmington reopens after rollover crash

Middletown 53 mins ago

DOT to hold open forum about removal of traffic lights on Route 9 in Middletown

We spoke to a member of the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums band who will play at Wirtz's final farewell.

"You feel him, you feel his presence. You know, he will always be with us and he will be part of us forever," said Emerald Society Band Manager Mike Torina. "You never want to do it, but the honor is indescribable."

Wirtz served his department for 22 years.