Hundreds honored an FDNY legend in Washingtonville on Wednesday.

The funeral for Lt. James Burns was held at Saint Mary's Church.

Burns was a New York firefighter for 40 years and was one of the leaders of the FDNY's response at ground zero following the Sept. 11 terror attacks. 

His close friends say that Burns suffered toward the end of his life from cancer, linked to his service at ground zero.  They also say Burns set a great example for up-and-coming firefighters. Burns was buried at Saint Mary's Cemetery. Burns, who was 83 years old, is survived by his wife and three daughters.