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by Eyewitness News' Jeff Rossen
(New York-WABC) — He's been presumed dead for nearly four years - ever since the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center collapsed. But tonight, the family of New York Firefighter Keithroy Maynard says his remains were positively identified through DNA testing.
Jeff Rossen has the story from Maynard's firehouse in Noho.
This is certainly a major step for Maynard's family. Because of that DNA testing technology, this New York City Firefighter will finally be laid to rest.
There are only pictures of firefighter Keithroy Maynard, pictures and memories. For all he did on 9/11 - saving lives, giving his own - there would be no ceremony until now.
His family got the call - his remains were finally identifed.
Vernon Maynard, Victim's Brother: "There's never no closure because you go on thinking about it on a daily basis but we're grateful because there are some folks who haven't got anything and it's a blessing for us."
Keithroy Maynard worked in Engine 33 in Noho - seven firefighters died that day all from this one firehouse. Today you can't walk in without seeing Keithroy Maynard's name on a plaque, his face on a wall.
Lt. Bob LaRocco, FDNY: "He was a great, great loss. You know, we're having the funeral for him this Saturday."
And that's the point - so many families can't even plan a proper burial. Maynard's family waited almost four years for this day.
Family Friend: "It's been a long time, we're just glad to see that at least some of his remains have been found. Then he can be given a decent burial, the type of burial that he deserves because he was a hell of a person."
Maynard's remains were identified using DNA technology and he's not alone. The New York City Medical Examiners Office identified a total of 1,591 victims - 849 of them - more than half - were identified solely based on DNA analysis.
Vernon Maynard: "It's a blessing to know that they can come up with some sort of remains for as much folks as they did. Our appreciation goes out to them."
The funeral was scheduled for Saturday, and we know after talking to them today that it will be a special moment for that family.
One other note about the unidentified victims: the New York City Medical Examiners Office says that it has exhausted all of the current DNA technology analysis and so they are going to preserve the remains and if new technology comes out in a few years they'll try again.
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