. >>> funeral services are underway for harold harriston. we are live where family, friends and fellow firefighters are saying their good-byes, pam. >> reporter: we have been talking to some of the firefighters as they came in this morning for their services. there is a huge sense of pride here for all he was able to do for this department and this city. a final farewell, philadelphia firefighters and police lined the road leading up to new covenant church where they remembered harold harriston. >> he was a fantastic man. he was a no nonsense type of man. he was very even keeled throughout the department. >> the 40 year veterans firefighters served 12 years as commissioner. he was the very first african american in the city to do so and achievement that brought about a sense of pride within the ranks. >> it put a face on the fact that i could be. >> before retiring in 2004 harriston was named fire chief of the year. fire official of the year by the national fire and burglar alarm association. the changes he implemented are evidenced today. >