Many Pay Respects to Fire Fighter Pocari

1/28/2013 (Updated 7:49:09 PM)

Firefighters from across the country and Canada were in Owego this weekend to pay respects to Owego Fire Captain Matthew Pocari.

Pocari died last week while responding to a fire in Newark Valley. Pocari was laid to rest Sunday afternoon. 

Friends and family shared fond memories of Pocari in a moving ceremony.

Visiting firefighters say they services gave them a true sense of Pocari's character.

"The guy was really great.  He seemed to be a person that really put everybody first and him last in the community and that's what fire service is all about," said Denis Charbonneau, LT. for the Ottawa Fire Service.

"I joined because of my father.  He's a past chief of Newark Valley and he knew Matt personally.  I get to be able to stand by him and know we have the love and support from people around the country. It's amazing," said Stephanie Alexander, member of the Newark Valley Fire Department.

Donations in memory of Captain Pocari can be made to the Porcari Children Memorial Fund or the Croton Hose Company #3 in Owego.

(Porcari Children Memorial Fund c/o First Niagara Bank, 18 Lake St., Owego, NY 13827)

(Croton Hose Company #3 c/o Tom Donovan, 71 Talcott St., Owego, NY 1382)

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