Friends and family of Michael Davidson will gather again on Monday to remember the 37-year-old firefighter.
A wake is being held at the Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home on Long Island, with a funeral scheduled for Tuesday at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.
Davidson was killed last Thursday when responding to a fire at a building on St. Nicholas Avenue, where the movie "Motherless Brooklyn" was being filmed. The movie stars Edward Norton, Bruce Willis and Alec Baldwin.
"I have never witnessed firsthand that kind of bravery. I’m in awe of that kind of selfless courage. It’s devastating to contemplate that one of the men we watched charging in there lost his life. Please send a prayer of thanks for the spirit and courage of Michael Davidson," Norton said in a statement on Instagram.
The fire started in the basement of the building. The film crew noticed smoke and alerted authorities. Davidson, a 15-year veteran of the FDNY, was among those who responded. At some point while battling the fire, Davidson became separated from the other firefighters. He was later found unconscious and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro announced on Saturday that Davidson had been posthumously promoted to Lieutenant.
“Lieutenant Davidson was a natural-born leader and dedicated member of the FDNY who died fighting and serving our city,” Commissioner Nigro said in a statement. “He had all the qualities of an officer and more – his promotion is well-deserved.”
Davidson was cited for bravery and life saving actions on four occasions. He's the son of a retired firefighter and his brother is a firefighter in the Bronx. Davidson leaves behind a wife, Eileen, and four young children.
"Our city lost a hero and we honor the sacrifice of one of New York City’s bravest – his death is a heartbreaking tragedy and 8.5 million New Yorkers are in solidarity with his family,” Mayor de Blasio said in a statement.
Donations can be made to the FDNY Foundation's Firefighter Michael Davidson's Children's Education Fund at www.fdnyfoundation.org/donate or by calling (718) 999-0779. Donations can also be made through the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.tunnel2towers.org.
Photo Credit: Alice Stockton-Rossini