BRONX, N.Y. -  It was an emotional day for the the widow and FDNY family of Sergeant Christopher Slutman on Monday.

The body of the U.S. Marine and decorated firefighter returned to the city for burial, after he was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan two weeks ago.

"He deserves the honor we are giving him here on out," said said Uniformed Firefighters Association President Gerard Fitzgerald.

Escorted by police, a funeral procession carried Slutman's remains through three states — from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to the Bronx.

Firefighters and civilians lined overpasses along the way, saluting the fallen Marine and firefighter as the hearse passed beneath them. 

At one overpass, the ladders of two aerial trucks formed an arch supporting an American flag.

"When it comes down to it fire departments across the country are all brothers in the same battle," Fitzgerald said.

The procession finally made its way to the Bronx. Firefighters and members of the community lined Morris Park Avenue outside the Joseph Lucchese funeral home for its arrival. 

One of those community members was Emily Toro whose son died in Iraq 12 years ago.

"I am here to pay my respect and let the family know they are not alone.  It’s A horrible feeling to know someone you love when she protects his country and is coming back not the way you want them to," Toro said.

Slutman worked in fire departments in Pennsylvania, and outside of Washington, DC before joining the FDNY.

He served at Ladder 27 in the South Bronx for 15 years, rising to the rank of captain.

A public viewing will be held Thursday at Lucchese funeral home from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and then from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Saint Thomas Church.

His burial will be at Arlington national cemetery.