Capt. David T. Wooley will be remembered for sacrificing his life to save others at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. At his memorial service yesterday, his son explained more reasons why his father's legacy will live on. "He's always been my hero, but not just because he ran into burning buildings to save lives," said David Wooley, with his sister, Stacy, and son, Justin, by his side on the altar of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pearl River. "He's my hero for a thousand other moments that separated him from everyone else. I learned to live life from him. He was my best friend." Hundreds of family members, friends and firefighters crowded into the church on North Main Street yesterday to remember Wooley, a 31-year veteran of the department. A heart made of red flowers with a "4" in the center was placed on a stand in front of the first pew, alongside a large, framed photograph of Wooley wearing his firefighter's helmet. The 54-year-old Nanuet resident was assigned to Ladder 4 in Midtown, but on Sept. 11, he was covering for someone at Engine 54 at 48th Street and Eighth Avenue. Wooley's niece, Tammy Winton, told the hundreds gathered in the church about family events that her uncle made special — trips to a lake, hours spent at a casino and the time he attended her college graduation ceremony. Representatives from Gov. George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's offices spoke at the service and expressed their condolences to the family. During his homily, Pastor John W. Havrilla stressed the importance of having faith in God. He said he trusted Wooley was in heaven, because the dedicated fireman knew what it meant to sacrifice. Wooley had frequently referred to his fellow firefighters as a second family and opted not to retire last year because he said he loved his job. Following the service, lieutenants from the New York Fire Department presented Wooley's wife, Linda, with a FDNY helmet and a United States flag. Bagpipers played "Amazing Grace" as the family drove away slowly in limousines to a convocation at the Nanuet Firehouse. Stacy Wooley said she and her father had a special relationship that she will always cherish. She looked up to him for many reasons, but his courage was something she will always admire and will never forget. "He died for his country, and for that, he will always be my hero," she said.