09:52 AM CST on Thursday, February 24, 2005

By Amy Tortolani & Reggie Aqui / 11 News

A fire truck today transported the flag-draped coffin of a Houston fireman to a packed church where Captain Grady Burke, 39, was remembered by family, friends and other firefighters.

Over 4500 firefighters from around the country marched down the Gulf Freeway toward Grace Community Church Wednesday morning for Captain Burke's funeral.

The 12-year veteran who dedicated his life to saving others was killed Saturday when the roof of a burning house collapsed.

It was a sea of blue as the firefighters gathered at Station 93 on FM 1959 before beginning their procession.

Capt. Grady Burke's engine, Number 46, carried his casket to the church. Fellow firefighters at Station 46 were up before dawn to decorate it with black bunting and floral wreaths.

"It's a tradition to honor your fallen brothers," said one firefighter.

A special banner has been painted to the truck now dedicated to Capt. Burke. It reads "In memory of a fallen hero, Capt. Grady Burke, 1993-2005."

Burke's wife, Cindy, followed behind the truck clutching her husband's coat. She was surrounded by his brothers from Station 46.

Hundreds of Houstonians lined the freeway to pay their respects as the procession went by.

"Those kids have to know how there father sacrificed his life for others and that alone shows what an awesome man he must be," said Franche Forgy. "So that's why we are here."

Mayor Bill White was among many speakers who paid tribute to Capt. Burke during the memorial service.

"I'm here to express the thanks of a grateful city for the life, for the sacrifice you shared with us," the mayor told Burke's wife and three small children. "Aren't we blessed that God has put on this world that seem to be born with a value system that they would live their life in sacrifice and service to others."

The mayor also vowed the Burke's death will now be in vain.

"You have my word and the word of the elected officials that there will be a lesson that we learn about abounded structures," he said.

Friends told the crowd they were blessed to know Burke.

"Grady was very strong, a courageous firefighter -- but most of all he was our friend," said Debbie Bisbano. "His faith in God was so strong and he shared it with us daily."

Burke's colleagues remembered him as a special firefighter.

"It was often said at the firehouse in District 46 that when things got really bad, as they so often do, that you wanted Grady to be in there with you because you can count on him, because the members had unconditional trust in his ability to lead and as a firefighter," said HFD Chief Phil Boriske.

Capt. Burke and several of his fellow firefighters entered a burning house Saturday morning. As they searched for victims, a portion of the back roof collapsed on top of the firefighters. Six were injured and Capt. Burke was killed.

KHOU

Senior Captain Robert Currie was one of the firefighters who nearly lost his life in the fire.

"The whole house lit up and we had six guys inside when that happened and, luckily, what Capt. Burke did allowed five of us to get out," he said. "His actions saved five other guys."

Currie said he couldn't go into further detail because of the ongoing investigation.

An alleged crack addict, Jack Cordua, later admitted that he accidentally caused the blaze. Cordua says it was an accident that happened when he started a fire to see the crack cocaine he was trying to smoke in the dark, abandoned house.

He's charged with possession of a controlled substance. The D.A.'s office may file more charges if they find evidence he purposely set the fire.

Yoshi, the dog, that sniffed out accelerant on Cordua, attended Wednesday's memorial with his partner, arson investigator Robert McClain. "Everybody cares. Even if we're on four legs or just two," said McClain.