Detroit (WWJ)  -- An overflow crowd packed Second Ebenezer Church Friday morning during funeral services for Detroit firefighter Walter Harris, who died last weekend battling a fire on the city's eastside. 

Thusands came out into the bitter cold to say ther final goodbyes to Harris, a hero who friends say touched so many lives.

Fire Commissioner Tyrone Scott told WWJ CityBeat reporter Vicki Thomas it's a tough time for the Detroit Fire Department.

"It's not only devistating and very difficult for the member of this department, it's devistating for firefighters all over the country," Scott said. "That's why you see them here today, standing with their brothers and sisters from Detroit," he said.

Harris died when a roof collapsed on him as he fought a blaze in a vacant home.  Four other firefighters were injured.

Harris was the first Detroit firefighter to die while fighting a fire in six years.

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