New York State to Engrave Names of 29 Fallen Firefighters on Memorial Wall at Empire State Plaza, Forever Memorializing Their Sacrifice
Governor Hochul Also Declares Tuesday, October 10, as Firefighter Appreciation Day; Fire Prevention Week to Last Through October 14
Governor Kathy Hochul today honored 29 fallen firefighters at the 26th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony, held at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany. Governor Hochul was joined by State officials, fire department personnel from across the state, and the families and loved ones of New York’s fallen firefighters for this somber event in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located at the Empire State Plaza, now honors 2,660 of New York’s firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. The memorial also pays tribute to the thousands of active firefighters in the state who risk their lives every day to protect New Yorkers.
“It is a distinct honor and privilege to join with the families, friends, and colleagues of these fallen firefighters, to recognize these heroes and their families for their sacrifices,” Governor Hochul said. “We can never thank these brave firefighters enough for rushing into danger to protect New Yorkers from fire danger.”
The fallen firefighters added to the wall this year include:
| Jason Arno | Buffalo Fire Department |
| Herbert Louis Bishop, Sr. | Arlington Fire Department |
| Freeman Board | Brockport Fire Department |
| James Brooks | Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company |
| Owen Carlock | Fire Department of New York |
| Joseph Daly | Fire Department of New York |
| Andrew DiMaggio | New Rochelle Fire Department |
| Dennis Farrell | Fire Department of New York |
| Daniel Foley | Fire Department of New York |
| Jesse Gerhard | Fire Department of New York |
| James Hopkins | Brockport Fire Department |
| Ronald Kemly, Sr. | Fire Department of New York |
| Timothy Klein | Fire Department of New York |
| Michael Lyons | Fire Department of New York |
| Peter McCaffrey | Yonkers Fire Department |
| James McCauley, Jr. | Fire Department of New York |
| William Moon, II | Fire Department of New York |
| Philip Morrissey | Cohoes Fire Department |
| Daryl Lynn Pace | Ithaca Fire Department |
| Brian Payne | Mamaroneck Fire Department |
| Raymond Phillips, Jr. | Fire Department of New York |
| Judy Spencer | Hartland Volunteer Fire Company |
| William Steinberg | Forestburgh Fire Company |
| Dennis Tortorella | Mamaroneck Fire Department |
| John Vallini | Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department |
| Victor Valva | Fire Department of New York |
| Tracy Veno | Olean City Fire Department |
| Patrick Whalen | Fire Department of New York |
| Thomas Wutz, Sr. | State Office of Fire Prevention and Control |
Governor Hochul also today issued two proclamations to honor the state’s career and volunteer firefighters, marking October 10, 2023, as Firefighter Appreciation Day, and the week of October 8-14, 2023, as Fire Prevention Week. Every day, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control works in partnership with local fire departments, fire service organizations, school districts, civic groups, and the National Fire Protection Association to provide information and programs about the importance of fire safety awareness.
Each year in the United States, more than 3,500 Americans die in fires and approximately 18,300 are injured, according to the United States Fire Administration. Children and the elderly comprise many of these deaths and injuries.
It is a distinct honor and privilege to join with the families, friends, and colleagues of these fallen firefighters, to recognize these heroes and their families for their sacrifices."
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “It’s an honor and privilege to recognize these 29 fallen firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Please join me today in remembering these firefighters and their families in your thoughts. I am continually in awe of New York’s firefighting community and the firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to protect New Yorkers. Thank you for your service.”
New York State Fire Administrator James Cable said, “Today, we honor and remember the service of 29 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’m proud to honor their memory and extend my gratitude for their service to their families. Please remember these fallen firefighters, and their families, in your thoughts."
About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of essential services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York to help ensure the safety of all stakeholders. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs.
About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.
Contact the Governor’s Press Office
Contact us by phone:
New York City: (212) 681 - 4640