The service — held by the Fire Services Department (FSD) at the Universal Funeral Parlour in Hung Hom at 10am — was joined by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu among top government officials, alongside Ho’s family and colleagues.

Ho, 37, sustained fatal injuries on Nov 26 while responding to a firefighting and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. A total of 160 residents including Ho perished in the blaze.

IN PICS: A hero's farewell to fallen firefighter

The FSD honored Ho’s sacrifice by posthumously conferring upon him the honorary rank of senior fireman.

Born in 1987, he joined the FSD in 2016 and was stationed at Sha Tin. Throughout his nearly nine-year career, he was recognized for his outstanding performance and dedication, participating in numerous fire and rescue missions.

Members of the public began gathering outside the funeral parlour as early as 8 am to pay their last respects to Ho; some laid flowers in tribute.

At 10:30 am, the funeral procession, led by a fire-truck-turned-hearse, departed the parlour, carrying Ho’s coffin draped with the Hong Kong SAR flag.

Around 11:10 am, the hearse made a brief stop near Wang Fuk Court — the site of the fatal fire — for an on-site ceremony; flowers were laid, firefighters stood in salute, and officials bowed to honor the fallen.

READ MORE: HK fireman killed in Tai Po fire posthumously awarded honorary title

A nearby footbridge was lined with residents who gathered to pay their final respects.

Among the mourners at the fire site was a man surnamed Chow, who had been waiting since 10 am. He recalled he was deeply saddened upon learning a firefighter had died in the blaze.

“I made my way here specifically to farewell Ho on his final journey,” Chow said. “May he rest in peace.”

Also present since early morning was a woman surnamed Lee, a resident of nearby Kwong Fuk Estate, who said that she came to lay flowers in tribute and thank the firefighter for his sacrifice.

She recalled being alone as she watched the blaze from her home, the pungent odor of smoke so invasive it permeated even inside her flat, seeming to cling long after the fire had been extinguished.

From the fire site, the funeral procession headed to Sha Tin Fire Station.

At the station, the hearse paused before a wreath, as fire service officials from across Hong Kong bowed in respect. A fire bell sounded four times — three short rings and one long — to symbolically relieve Ho of his firefighting duties.

The procession then departed for Ho’s burial at Gallant Garden, Wo Hop Shek Cemetery — the site reserved for government servants who have lost their lives in service to Hong Kong.

It arrived at around 1:10 pm, with six firefighters and two pallbearers seen carrying Ho’s coffin, followed by his brother holding a portrait and his grieving fiancée.

Prior to burial, the flag draped over the coffin was folded, and Ho’s service helmet was placed atop the lid, marking the end of his watch.

Adam Lam contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com