On Monday, first responders around Hampton Roads will bid farewell to a Virginia Beach master firefighter.
After a fight with occupational cancer, friends and family of 48-year-old Matthew Gallina will honor him at Harbor Park, a fitting send-off according to Lorna Trent, the assistant chief of the Virginia Beach Fire Department.
“He was a big baseball fan, just a really funny guy, great sense of humor, he will be loved and missed,” said Trent.
A procession for Gallina will begin in Virginia Beach on Monday. At this time, police haven’t determined where it will start due to traffic concerns.
It is expected to begin on either East Main Street or Water Street. The procession will end at Harbor Park where the funeral will take place.
Trent told News 3 that the firefighters have rallied around Gallina’s heartbroken family.
“Matt was a family man he was dedicated he was loyal he loved his family he would do anything for his family,” said Trent.
She says saving lives and serving the community as a firefighter comes with a risk to one’s health. Matt had been exposed to carcinogens while on the job.