JOHN K. RYAN
Chicago Sun Times

A sea of blue filled the parking lot of Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn to pay respects Monday to fallen Homewood firefighter Brian Carey.

Carey, 28, of Evergreen Park, died March 30 while trying to rescue an 87-year-old man from a house fire in Homewood.

During the wake Monday evening, hundreds of firefighters and police officers staged a walk-through at the funeral home, saluting Carey's casket as they passed by it. The event took nearly an hour to complete.

"It's the ultimate show of brotherhood," said Capt. Robert Griffin of the Chicago Fire Department.

Firefighters from much of the metropolitan area and distant places such as Dallas came to honor Carey.

"We participate in line-of-duty services for firefighters across the country," said Dallas fire Lt. Scott Clumpner, who graduated in 1996 from Thornwood High School and whose parents live in Homewood.

The walk-through followed thousands of others waiting up to two hours to pay respect to the Carey family.

Karra Kopas, a Homewood firefighter who suffered second-degree and third-degree burns in the March 30 fire, managed to make it to the wake. Kopas said she was overwhelmed by the support for Carey. "He will never be forgotten," she said after the wake.

Another Homewood firefighter, who asked not to be identified, termed the turnout "astounding and overwhelming."

"This show of support is immeasurable, and Brian deserves every bit of it," he said.

Visitors to the funeral home included public officials, firefighters, family and people who knew Carey from the neighborhood.

"It means a lot to just show up and give the family support," said Maureen Schmidt of Evergreen Park, who came despite recently breaking her ankle and being on crutches. "I just want them to know I care about them."

"We here to show respect for the chief [Bob Grabowski] and the staff," said Leonard Lipinski, a retired Homewood deputy fire chief whose son Larry is on the department. "Once you're a fireman, you're always a fireman."

Another retired Homewood firefighter, Henry Jasica, looked on at the mass gathering of support in awe.

"This tragic sacrifice was worthy of this outpouring of support. It's just so sad to lose a firefighter so young," Jasica said.

The Rev. Gary Miller, Evergreen Park Fire Department chaplain and pastor at the Careys' parish, St. Bernadette Catholic Church, said the Carey family has shown similar support for families suffering tragedies in the community.

"They're a wonderful family. They're now feeling the support of others in their community," Miller said. "The family's holding up about as good as could be expected at such a time."

Inside the funeral home, the Carey family greeted mourners near their son's casket. Close by was the Honor Flag, which was flown over Ground Zero in New York City after 9-11. It also will be at the funeral this morning.

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April 6, 2010