Murdered Detroit firefighter laid to rest; search for killer continues

One week after he was found dead inside his home, a Detroit firefighter was laid to rest Monday.

Fire department veteran David Madrigal was only five months away from celebrating retirement and his 60th birthday.

Instead, friends, family, and members of Detroit's finest, gathered to say goodbye.

"My brother, my friend, my co-worker," said Verdine Day, DFD. "About the best looking, oldest man on the job."

Madrigal was found murdered last week in his home. Whoever killed him, knew how to get past a security system in his house, then stole a safe full of his valuables and his 2015 Ford Explorer.

Police found the SUV a day later, torched and abandoned about 10 miles from Madrigal's house.

"How is it possible that a man who dedicated almost three decades of his life to serving and rescuing strangers, could lose his life in this way," said Eric Jones, Detroit fire commissioner. "I don't have the answers to your question. No one does. But I can guarantee you this: Justice will be served."

More than 100 attended the funeral banning together and promising to find the person who robbed and killed the long-time public servant. His two children, were given his retirement badge.

A large procession braved the icy roads, driving 22 miles to the east side of Detroit to lay him to rest.

A Detroit firefighter has set up a GoFundMe account, which has raised more than $5,000 to be given to anyone with information leading to who did this. CLICK HERE to donate.

If you know anything, call Detroit police at (313) 596-5200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.