Above, county, town and local officials are among the mourners at the funeral of fallen firefighter Michael Greene. Above right, fellow firefighter sheds tears of sadness as she carries Greene's firefighter's helmet at funeral service. Photo by Steve Silverman, Suffolk County Fire-Rescue The West Babylon community mourned the loss of firefighter Michael Greene, 43, who was tragically killed June 16, in the line of duty. Greene, an Ex-Captain and father of four, was removing a salvage cover from the roof of the Long Island Cheeseburger restaurant on Montauk Highway, Lindenhurst, that had sustained roof damage during a fire the day before when he was electrocuted.

Police and fire sources said that while standing on a ladder outside the restaurant he came into contact with an electrical sign that was secured to the front of the structure, which was energized. Greene suffered a severe electrical shock and was immediately rendered unconscious.

Fellow West Babylon firefighters who were on the scene, along with bystanders, immediately began resuscitation efforts. Greene was transported by the West Babylon Fire Department ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, where he was later pronounced dead at 8:07 p.m. The Suffolk County Police Department Homicide Squad is conducting an investigation into the death.

Michael Greene, of Rendezvous Truck Company # 4, joined the department in April 1994. He served as Lieutenant from January 2000 to December 2002, and then served as Captain from January 2002 to December 2004. He was currently the Chief Driver of the Heavy Rescue Truck.

On December 19, 2005, Ex-Captain Greene, along with the other members entered a burning house to conduct a search for a female who was reportedly still inside. He found the victim and was able to pull her out of the house. For these acts of heroism and bravery, Greene was awarded

Firefighter of the Year from the West Babylon Fire Department. He was also to be awarded the Silver Medal of Valor from the Suffolk County Fire Academy in September at the Medal Day ceremony.

Greene was described by his fellow firefighters as a devoted husband to wife Elizabeth, a loving father to his son Colin, 14, and three daughters, Katie, 12, Kristen, 10, and Meghan, 4.

Chief Vincent Senzamici, on behalf of the department's members, acknowledged the continued outpouring of support from fellow firefighters, ambulance corps, State, County, and Town officials.

"This unwavering support has helped our department members through their darkest hours," said Senzamici, recognizing specifically Suffolk County and Town of Babylon Fire Coordinators and Fire Police Officials for their outstanding efforts in assisting in the planning and implementing of this funeral and the Babylon Village Fire Department and Babylon Village Mayor Ralph Scordino, "for their extraordinary and heartfelt efforts in assisting us in this monumental task."

"To our fellow Town of Babylon Fire Departments," he added, "the bond that exists between us as firefighters has forever been solidified and will never be broken. We thank you all for your support and condolences."

The West Babylon Fire Department has established an educational fund to assist the children of Ex-Captain Greene. Contributions can be sent to the Michael J. Greene Memorial Fund care of the West Babylon Fire Department, 126 Arnold Avenue, West Babylon, New York 11704.