NEW HAVEN (AP) — Firefighters from around the country were among thousands of people who paid tribute Thursday to New Haven firefighter Ricardo “Rico” Torres Jr., who died earlier this month when he became trapped in a burning house.

A procession that included police motorcycles, a pipe and drum band and firetrucks including one carrying Torres' body made its way through city streets to St. Mary Church, where family and fellow firefighters called him a hero.

“Rico was one of those high-strung firefighters who wanted to get in there and he wanted to save as many lives as possible," New Haven fire Capt. Kendall Richardson, Torres' commanding officer at Engine Co. 6, said during the service.

Richardson said Torres was part of crews that saved at least 10 people during his nearly two years with the department. He said Torres earned the nickname Tornado because of his high energy.

Torres, 30, died May 12 and another firefighter, Lt. Samod Rankins, was seriously injured when they became trapped in the burning house and fell unconscious. Rankins is recovering in a hospital burn unit. Two other firefighters suffered less serious injuries. Fire crews rescued an 84-year-old woman and a man from the home.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials have said they were trying to determine whether hoarding played a role in the fire or Torres and Rankins becoming trapped.

Torres was married to Erica Martinez, who is expecting their second son, Crew, in August. Their son Oliver turns 1-year-old next week.

“I'm incredibly heartbroken,” Martinez said in a tearful speech at the service. “I've lost my frickin' husband. You're Ricardo frickin' Torres, and anyone who knows you understands that your absence is absolutely deafening.

“I feel privileged to be Erica Martinez, wife of Ricardo Torres Jr., loving and absolute best father to Oliver and Crew Torres, New Haven firefighter, hero," she said.

A second procession escorted Torres to Hartford for burial in the historic Cedar Hill Cemetery, the final resting place of notable Connecticut residents including actress Katharine Hepburn, financier John Pierpont Morgan and gunmaker Samuel Colt.

Firetrucks, many hoisting American flags, were parked on highway overpasses from New Haven to Hartford in honor of Torres.