FDNY members gathered outside New York Presbyterian hospital to pay tribute to their fallen comrade as Michael Fahy's body was taken away by ambulance. NY1's Erin Clarke filed the following report.

It was an emotional salute to one of New York's bravest.

Dozens of city firefighters stood at attention Tuesday as the body of a fallen comrade was brought from the hospital.

Michael Fahy, 44, was killed by flying debris from a gas explosion at a house on West 234th Street.

"When that explosion occurred, it did blow a large portion of the roof off the building out into the street, where the members were. Chief Fahy was directing operations from the street," said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.

Fahy was the chief of Battalion 19 on Walton Avenue. He lived on a tree-lined street in Yonkers and was a father of two boys and a girl, all under the age of 12. 

He began his career with the fire department in 1999 after graduating manga cum laude from New York Law School.

"He was not only brilliant and outstanding intellectually and academically, but also such a unique, beloved, respected human being," said Nadine Strossen of New York Law School.

Faye was promoted to lieutenant in 2004, captain in 2007 and became battalion chief in 2012. He had been with the department 17 years.

"He was on the rise. He was a star, a brave man," Nigro said. "It's a terrible loss for the family, the Fahy family. It's a loss for the fire department family."

Fahy had followed his father into the fire department. Thomas Fahy, his father is a retired chief of Battalion 17 in the Bronx. 

"He did what he loved to do, and that was provide leadership to his men," said Jake Lemonda, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association.

Fahy is the first New York City firefighter to die in the line of duty since July 2014.

"This doesn't happen every day, but when it does, it doesn't make it any easier," Nigro said. "That's all I can say, is we lost a hero today and our members are all saddened."

On Wednesday, bunting will be raised in front of Battalion 19 in honor of Fahy. 

The mayor ordered all flags in the city at half staff until the chief's funeral.