Family, friends and co-workers of firefighter Ray Moreau, who served 35 years on the Plainville Volunteer Fire Department, filled an auditorium at Central Connecticut State University Saturday morning to say their final farewells.

"It's very painful to attend a funeral for a volunteer firefighter because they give so much of themselves and they do it for free,” said Newington Fire Chief Jeff Trommer, who worked side-by-side with Moreau. “Ray Moreau made the ultimate sacrifice to keep his community safe."

Moreau was killed when a piece of firefighting equipment came loose and struck him while he was battling a house fire on Maria Road on July 27, officials say.

"When one hurts, we all hurt -- and it doesn't have to be a firefighter. It could be a police officer, an EMS worker or any first responder. We always come to show our support," said Capt. Kirk Rosemond, of the Newington Volunteer Fire Department.

Moreau was laid to rest in Plantsville, where a Life Star helicopter conducted a flyover.

Moreau was getting ready to celebrate his 36th wedding anniversary when he was called to the fire.