Final farewell for fallen firefighter Joyce Craig

WEST OAK LANE (WPVI) -- Hundreds of family, friends, fellow firefighters and first responders from across the country gathered to pay their final respects to fallen Philadelphia firefighter Joyce Craig on Saturday.

Joyce Craig, 36, received full honors from her Philadelphia fire family.

Her casket arrived on Engine 64 draped with an American flag.

She received a posthumous promotion to lieutenant and later full honors in a procession to final resting place.

Craig died while battling a fire in West Oak Lane early Tuesday morning.

She was working overtime at Engine 73 when she was called to the fateful fire in the 1600 block of Middleton Street.

Craig, one of the first on the scene, went into the thick smoke and became trapped.

Her crew realized she was missing. Once found in the basement, she was rushed to Einstein Medical Center where she died.

Hundreds came to Saturday's funeral at Batchelor Brothers Funeral Home and many stayed in the cold to watch the televised service outside.

Inside colleagues described Craig, the highly decorated 11-year veteran received a number of citations for her heroism.

Craig served at four fire stations and was one of 150 female firefighters in the Philadelphia Fire Department.

She is the first female firefighters in the department to die in the line of duty.

Craig's family did not want to appear on camera. Her brother spoke about how at just 5 years old, his sister knew what she wanted to do.

She was also a devoted mother of two. Craig leaves behind a 16-year-old son and a 16-month-old daughter.

Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer made a promise to them.

"What I want you to know is just as Joyce had two families, you have two families - we are here for you. Never forget that," said Commissioner Sawyer.

Firefighters from companies across the country paid their respects, including Wilmington Fire Chief Anthony Goode.

Goode, who also lost his father when he was just 16, had a special message for Craig's son this week.

"Once all this passes over and you start to get back and get grounded again, I'll talk to you and let you know what's going on. It's a long road," said Chief Goode.

A memorial fund has also been set up for Craig's children. Checks can be made payable to the "Local 22-Joyce Craig Memorial Fund" and mailed to 901 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

The city still plans to honor Lt Craig in a memorial service and flags will remain at half-staff for at least 30 days.