Funeral held for Boston firefighter killed in crash

QUINCY, Mass.—A Boston firefighter is being remembered as a hero who helped save others in the fatal fire truck crash that took his life, and as a devoted family man.

Firefighters turned out by the thousands on Wednesday to honor Lt. Kevin Kelley, who was killed when the ladder truck he was in went out of control and crashed into an apartment building on Friday. He was praised for actions that helped protect his crew members and bystanders from serious injury. The accident is under investigation.

Kelley’s sister Peggy Paulli said he would be most proud of being remembered as “the best dad in the world” to his three daughters.

Inside St. Ann Church in Quincy, the Rev. Daniel Mahoney spoke of the ultimate sacrifice firefighters are willing to make and called Kelley a hero.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, Attorney General Martha Coakley and Gov. Deval Patrick were among those at the funeral.

The accident is under investigation.