Beloved Islip Chief Honored In Brooklyn Ceremony

ISLIP, NY —A former chief Islip Fire Department and New York City Fire Department (FDNY) member was honored in a ceremony in Brooklyn on Sunday, two days after Mayor Eric Adams announced he would not survive injuries sustained from a drill.

William "Billy" Moon, 47, of Islip, was preparing for a drill inside his firehouse – Rescue Company 2 – located at 1815 Sterling Place in Brooklyn, last week when he fell about 20 feet and suffered a serious head injury, officials said.

He was immediately treated for his injuries by his fellow Firefighters and was then rushed by FDNY EMS to Kings County Hospital in critical condition.

Firefighters honored Moon's life by placing black and purple bunting outside Rescue Company 2 in Brownsville, where he had become a recent member, FDNY posted on social media.

"If you're having the worst day of your life, you would want Billy Moon riding on that fire truck over there," Rescue 2 Captain William Flaherty told ABC7 Eyewitness News.

The Islip Fire Department said in a post on social media that Moon was often referred to as a "Firefighter’s Firefighter", and was the “was the heart and soul of the Department, a dedicated and exceptional firefighter, and a mentor to many whose impact will be missed.”

In addition to his firefighting duties, Moon was a long time and accomplished member of the Department’s Wolves Drill Team, Marching Band, and Hockey Team, the department said. As a member of the Historical Committee, Billy had a large collection of photos, and would often showcase these photos in the firehouse.

"Billy was known for being the center of attention at every social gathering, however when the alarm bells went off, he demanded nothing less than excellence and preparedness," the department said.

Moon's wife, Kristina, and their two young children also attended the ceremony. The family chose to donate Moon's organs, as his last act of service to others.

Moon was appointed to the FDNY on May 5, 2002. He began his career in Ladder Company 133 in Queens, where he worked for 20 years before being detailed to Rescue Company 2, in Brooklyn earlier this year, FDNY said.

In addition to serving the FDNY, Firefighter Moon also served as a member of the Islip Volunteer Fire Department on Long Island, including serving as their Chief of Department in 2017.

At a press conference on Friday, Kristina asked Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to read a statement on her behalf.

"Loving Billy was not only a marriage of families but a marriage to the Fire Department," she wrote. "His love and passion for the job extended far from the firehouse walls. He instilled that same passion in our children and always talked about how important it was to help others. We are eternally grateful for the Christmas miracles that Billy will now be able to give to others."

His wake and funeral services will be announced at a later date, the Islip Fire Department said.