Wantagh Mourns Firefighter Keith Young

The streets of Wantagh were lined with firefighters on Saturday as the community held the funeral for FDNY firefighter Keith Young, who died from cancer he developed as a 9/11 first responder.

Young died on March 17 from brain cancer, which was caused by working in the ruins of the World Trade Center after Sept. 11. In addition to being a firefighter, Young was a well-known chef. He wrote his own cookbook and appeared on television cooking competitions. He appeared twice on "Chopped" and once on "Throwdown with Bobby Flay," where his chicken cacciatore beat the celebrity chef's.

Before he joined the FDNY, where he served for 18 years, Young was a member of the Freeport Police Department. Young, who was 53 when he died, only retired because of his illness.

Though Young was a FDNY member, the Wantagh Fire Department provided escorts and help for the funeral, which was held at St. Frances de Chantal Church in Wantagh. Following the Mass, the Wantagh Fire Department opened the doors of its headquarters for Young's family and other guests.

Photos: Erica Goetz/Wantagh Fire Department