Metuchen Firefighter's Funeral

Metuchen police and firefighters march from the funeral home on Route 27 towards the Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral on Main Street.

Metuchen Firefigher Ray Rich carries an axe with the color guard for the funeral of James "Mike" Ratcliffe.

Firefighters salute James "Mike" Ratcliffe as his coffin is brought into the Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral.

Father John C. Gloss uses a censer during the Mass of Christian Burial held at Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral.

The casket of James "Mike" Ratcliffe is brought out of the Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral.

Ann, with her husband Michael J. Ratcliffe, saluting his father's casket in front of Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral.

Firefighters line up in front of the Metuchen Fire Department on Route 27 as the casket containing James "Mike" Ratcliffe passes the fire station (Past-Chief Ratcliffe's fire gear can be seen on the ground laid in front of the station).

The funeral passes under a large American flag draped between two ladder trucks on Main Street, Metuchen for the funeral of James "Mike" Ratcliffe.

Flowers and "Mike's" turnout gear in front of the fire station on Route 27.

Above, how photos appeared in the Edison-Metuchen Sentinel on May 18, 2005

Above, how photos appeared in 1st Responder News June 2005 edition