HOLLAND PATENT, N.Y. (WKTV) - Part of the Village of Holland Patent was shut down Friday morning and early afternoon to honor one of the Village's biggest community supporters. 48 year old Gary Farrell was killed on Monday when he was run over by a pickup truck while he holding up a stop sign along Route 28 in Forestport. The fulltime New York State D.O.T. worker was a volunteer firefighter and substitute teacher and part time custodian in the Holland Patent School District.

For the past 29 years, Lt. Gary Farrell was a member of the Holland Patent Hose Company, and firefighters from across Central New York turned out for his memorial service at St. Leo's Catholic Church on Elm Street in Holland Patent. Family member Ashley Dudrak spoke at the service, "He was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, but most of all he was a hero." Farrell leaves behind his wife and three young children, James, age 11, Devan, age 8, and Alex, age 3.

State D.O.T. Commissioner Stanley Gee came from Albany and spoke as well, "Gary was an active member of the community, and in return that community respected him." Gee went on to say about Farrell, "Everyday like so many of our employees, he risked his own life by stepping out onto our roadways to make the everyday journey safer for others."

Local D.O.T. spokesperson Alice Romanych attended the service along with dozens of fellow D.O.T. workers from across the area. Romanych says "This is one of the most dangerous professions out there and we do everything to make it as safe as possible, but sometimes it's just not enough."

Farrell's casket was put atop the firetruck he drove for so long, for one last ceremonious trip through the streets of Holland Patent to his final resting place at Holland Patent Cemetery.

Holland Patent Asst. Fire Chief Chris Roberts told us, "It's very hard for the guys here to stomach and swallow...and we're going to make a pledge, that we're going to help the family through in the days to come, we're going to make sure that Michelle, James, Devyn and Alex are taken care of."

State Police Investigators have not charged the driver of the pickup that struck Farrell, 63 year old Patricia Evans of Alder Creek. Drivers in the area at the time of the incident say the sun was extemely bright. No word yet on whether that played a role.

CLICK HERE to see raw video of the funeral service.