(09/14/06) NORTH BERGEN ? Fellow firefighters, family and friends turned out in droves Thursday for the funeral of a firefighter known for his passion and dedication.

Vincent Neglia died Saturday while searching for trapped individuals during a Union City fire. It was later discovered no one was in the building. Neglia?s friends say although his death was extremely tragic, the firefighter died doing what he loved most. According to colleagues, Neglia represented the best of North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue.

In a sad twist of fate, Neglia was being loaned out to Squad 2 in Union City for administrative reasons. Battalion Chief Charles Severino made the staffing decision, and says he? feels terrible about the result. Severino says Neglia was more than willing to make the temporary staffing move. Funeral services for Neglia, 45, were held at Our Lady of Fatima Church.

Related information: North Bergen firefighter dies in line of duty