Governor Paterson Honors Fallen Firefighters
October 5, 2010
Governor David A. Paterson today joined all New Yorkers in remembering nine New York firefighter heroes who gave their lives for the safety of their fellow citizens. The nine men were honored during an annual ceremony to recognize firefighters who died in the line of duty. Their names were inscribed on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall in Albany.
“We all owe a debt of gratitude to these heroic individuals who gave their lives in service to their fellow New Yorkers,” Governor Paterson said. “Today we honor their memories, we offer our prayers to their families and friends, and we give thanks to the hundreds of men and women firefighters who bravely dedicate their lives daily to the protection and well-being of New York’s communities.”
At this year’s ceremony, the following nine firefighters were honored:
2009
Firefighter Jonathan S. Croom, Buffalo Fire Department
Firefighter Mark B. Davis, Cape Vincent Fire Department
Firefighter Patrick S. Joyce Jr., Yonkers Fire Department
Firefighter Jeremy S. Lasher, Verona Fire Department
Lieutenant Charles W. McCarthy, Buffalo Fire Department
Firefighter Salvatore Scarentino, New York City Fire Department
Firefighter Paul Warhola, New York City Fire Department
2007
Firefighter George R. Davidson III, Youngsville Fire Department
2006
Captain Francis T. Keane, New York City Fire Department
The Memorial Wall, officially dedicated on October 6, 1998, is located on the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Standing in front of the Wall is a bronze sculpture that depicts two firefighters carrying an injured colleague. The nine firefighters being added to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall brings the total to 2,357.
Governor Paterson has declared October 3-9 as Fire Prevention Week, and today, October 5, as Firefighter Appreciation Day in New York State. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With.”
###
The following statements were provided in honor of New York State’s fallen firefighters:
Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson said: “Today we honor the courageous service of our brave firefighters who we owe an enduring debt of gratitude. We pay tribute to the sacrifice they made, laying down their lives in the line of duty. As we add nine new names to Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall, we know that these heroes will live forever in New York's memory.”
Senate President Malcolm A. Smith said: “At this time each year, we take a moment to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. To the families of our fallen heroes: you are not forgotten and you remain in our thoughts and prayers. Your courage and commitment to the residents of this State remains a source of hope and inspiration for all those you have helped and served. I also want to acknowledge the service and professionalism of the New York firefighters who continue to work and put their lives on the line daily to ensure that our State is a safe place to live. We are all humbled today and reminded that the fearless and unwavering service provided by our firefighters should never be taken for granted. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to thank you for a job well done."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “The New York State Assembly joins the good citizens of New York State in honoring our fallen firefighters and in thanking the Creator for blessing us with men and women of such courage, nobility and skill when times of crisis befall us. I urge all New Yorkers to experience the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. It is an enduring and inspiring reminder of the everyday heroism needed to protect our communities and to preserve our quality of life.”
Assemblyman Tim Gordon said: “It is not a perfect world we live in. When things go wrong, the call goes out to our first responders. We gather today to honor the dedication of the fallen firefighters who selflessly gave their lives in the greatest act of love.”
John R. Gibb, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, said: “No words can ease the grief of those who have experienced the untimely death of a loved one. The inscribing of these firefighters’ names on the Memorial Wall serves to remind us that these brave men have joined the ranks of thousands of other firefighters who selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow citizens. We pray for their families and friends, and we thank those who continue to put their lives on the line every day to keep New York’s communities safe from danger.”
John C. Egan, Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services, said: “Our gratitude for the bravery and fortitude of firefighters cannot be expressed in simple words. Their actions have saved lives and preserved families - often without regard for their own safety. This is the reason that OGS is honored to provide the stewardship for this memorial that stands as a touchstone for the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and a lasting tribute to the heroic actions of those who have fallen in the line of duty.”
State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison said: “Today’s ceremony honors our fallen brothers and gives us an opportunity to offer our gratitude and respect to the loved ones they left behind. It also should serve as a reminder to all firefighters to perform their tasks and duties in the safest manner possible. We mourn the tragic deaths of these nine brave men, but it is their noble dedication to protecting life that makes me proud to call myself a firefighter.”
Alfonso J. Varlaro, President of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, said: “We join here today to honor and remember our fallen comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting their fellow citizens of New York State. We also honor and support the families they have left behind. And in their honor, we reaffirm our commitment to ensure that after every call, everyone goes home.”
Michael McManus, President of the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association, Inc., said: “They went before us in honor, with great courage, and hallowed our profession. At this momentous occasion, we can experience the solace that comes from a job well done and know they are in God’s embrace.”
David Jacobowitz, President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, said: “Every day, our State’s firefighters make sacrifices both large and small on all of our behalves in the name of protecting us, those we love, and our property from the potential ravages of fire, disasters and other emergencies. Today, we come together to honor those members of the fire service who have made the supreme sacrifice. And in so doing, we hope to show their families, the entire fire service and the people we have all sworn to protect just how much we value the service and dedication to duty they exemplified.”
