By LARRY MAIER
It was a bittersweet moment when Mr. Sweeney's casket, draped in an American flag, was carried from a FDNY Squad 288 engine by six pallbearers, past a firefighter honor guard and into Cure of Ars Roman Catholic Church on Merrick Avenue. Originally, the service was to be a memorial for Brian Sweeney. Mercifully and miraculously, however, Mr. Sweeney's body was found at ground zero just two days earlier, allowing his family, friends and the hundreds of New York's bravest who attended the service to award him a proper burial.
"Our brother has come home from that dark place to a place of comfort," noted Rev. Robert Romeo in his funeral Mass homily.
As the service concluded, several of those who worked with Mr. Sweeney spoke lovingly of their lost friend. They remembered a hard-working, enthusiastic firefighter who wanted to be the very best he could be. They also told of a friendly, unassuming young man with bright, blue eyes and a gift for making people feel good about themselves.
Brian Sweeney began his career as a New York City firefighter in 1996 with Engine 263 in Astoria, Queens. His lifelong dream was to follow in the footsteps of his father, Edward, a retired FDNY captain, said Frank Valerio, a childhood friend and fellow firefighter.
Mr. Sweeney was a true professional, said Valerio, whose total commitment to the job he loved helped him move quickly up the ranks. "He was destined to be a boss just like his father," said Valerio about the firefighter who served as best man at Valerio's wedding.
And Mr. Sweeney had an adventurous spirit. He was an avid snowboarder, certified diver and fisherman. "He even liked an occasional bungee jump," said Valerio, eliciting a warm laugh from the congregation.
After his rotation in Astoria, Brian Sweeney served in Ladder 8 in Manhattan, Engine 214 in Brooklyn and Squad 288 in Maspeth, Queens. Just recently, Mr. Sweeney had realized another dream when he was called to join the elite Rescue Company One in July.
"Not everyone is Rescue One material," said Valerio. "Only the truly dedicated get there."
Lt. Michael Pena said that, though Mr. Sweeney had only been a member of the rescue unit a short time, his warm personality and dedicated work ethic helped him fit in like a veteran.
"He always walked around with a big smile on his face," said Pena. "He made a lasting impression on everyone. He knew we considered him a rescue firefighter."
Brian Sweeney will always be remembered as a hero by his firefighting brethren and by those he rescued that tragic day, said Pena.
"He must have seemed larger than life to the people he saved," the lieutenant said.
Lt. Vincent Ungaro said that Brian Sweeney was the first person he thought of when Squad 288 was being formed in 1998. He described his friend as an enthusiastic learner and a "thinker."
Ungaro recalled Mr. Sweeney's selfless response to the Father's Day fire at an Astoria hardware store that took the lives of three firemen last year. Mr. Sweeney, who was off-duty when the blaze broke out, rushed to the fire and risked his life "to come to the aid of his brothers," said Ungaro.
And Mr. Sweeney remained at the site "until all of his brothers were pulled out of that building," Ungaro added. "He wasn't afraid or threatened by any situation."
Melissa Price recalled that her boyfriend was a patient gentleman who brought out the best in those around him. On a recent rock-climbing trip in upstate New York, Price said she often felt like giving up. But Brian's tender encouragement saw her through and helped her reach the mountain's summit.
Price smiled when she recalled a running joke she had with friends that planning a vacation with Brian meant that "you'd better be ready for a triathlon."
And she wept as she spoke to her beloved one last time before his burial. "You'll always be my one true love," said Melissa. "I know that one day when we meet again, we will start again where we left off."
Matthew Sweeney spoke last. He said he looked forward to raising glasses and speaking lovingly of his brother with friends and family for years to come. Matthew described his brother as a man who inspired people and made friends easily, like Goran, a German firefighter who Mr. Sweeney met in a fire-department exchange program.
Goran returned to New York after Sept. 11 and visited ground zero in honor of his American friend. He had Brian Sweeney's name tattooed on his arm in remembrance.
"I'm sure there will be many people in Germany who will wonder why Goran has another man's name tattooed on his arm," said Matthew Sweeney with a grin.
Brian Sweeney made those around him want to be better people, said his brother. Matthew said his brother's life and heroics have inspired him to return to college. He regrets never getting a chance to thank him for that.
"I'm going to thank him now," Matthew said through tears. "Thank you, Brian. You are a great brother."
Hundreds of Brian Sweeney's firefighter brothers applauded. They couldn't agree more.
Brian Sweeney was 29 years old when he was killed at the World Trade Center's South Tower. Beside Matthew, Edward and Melissa, Mr. Sweeney is survived by his mother, Mary Ann; a sister, Lynn, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Burial was at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.
