A funeral for the first African-American firefighter of White Plains was held Friday at the Mount Hope AME Zion Church in White Plains.

Family members say Joseph Davis died in his sleep Sunday. He joined the White Plains Fire Department in April 1949.

Davis was a WWII Army veteran who earned several medals of distinction throughout his career.

Loved ones say that they are very proud of all he did.

"He's had so much that he'd accomplished in his life," says Andre Davis, a family member. "He's going to be dearly missed in our family.

Joseph Davis was 96 years old. He will be laid to rest at the Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla.