Onlookers watch as a procession in memory of late Nanticoke deputy fire chief Jay Munson travels down Prospect Street on Sunday.
                                 Kevin Carroll | Times Leader

Onlookers watch as a procession in memory of late Nanticoke deputy fire chief Jay Munson travels down Prospect Street on Sunday.

Kevin Carroll | Times Leader

Nanticoke deputy fire chief Jay Munson honored

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<p>Fire trucks from Hanover Township and Nanticoke hoist the American flag over Prospect Street.</p>
                                 <p>Kevin Carroll | Times Leader</p>

Fire trucks from Hanover Township and Nanticoke hoist the American flag over Prospect Street.

Kevin Carroll | Times Leader

<p>Firefighters and emergency servicer workers stand at attention as Munson’s procession comes by the Nebo Baptist Church, where a memorial service was held for the late deputy fire chief.</p>
                                 <p>Kevin Carroll | Times Leader</p>

Firefighters and emergency servicer workers stand at attention as Munson’s procession comes by the Nebo Baptist Church, where a memorial service was held for the late deputy fire chief.

Kevin Carroll | Times Leader

NANTICOKE — After a life full of service to his community, the late Nanticoke deputy fire chief Jay Munson was given a hero’s goodbye on Sunday, with a full funeral procession and service at the Nebo Baptist Church on Prospect Street.

Munson passed away at the age of 63 on April 14 at Allied Hospice Center in Wilkes-Barre.

According to his obituary from the Davis-Dinelli Funeral Home in Nanticoke, Munson was a lifelong resident of the city, a graduate from John S. Fine High School and Luzerne County Community College.

Munson spent 42 years as a firefighter, first joining up with the Lape Hose Company No. 2 in Nanticoke back in 1978, and working his way through the ranks to eventually earn the position of deputy fire chief in 2004.

The impact that Munson had on the community was evident on Sunday. Fire and emergency service workers from both Nanticoke and Hanover Township lined Prospect Street, with a truck from each municipality helping to hoist a large American flag high over the street for all to see.

The procession began around 1:30 p.m., starting at the funeral home on Broad Street. The sounds of bagpipe music led the procession down Broad Street to Prospect Street, where it turned and came down the hill to a stop outside of the Nebo Baptist Church, where Munson was a member and deacon for more than 40 years, according to his obituary.

After the procession reached the church, a viewing and memorial service were held, drawing a large crowd of friends, family and community members looking to pay their respects.

Munson was given the honorary last call from an emergency dispatcher with Luzerne County at approximately 3:40 p.m. Sunday afternoon.