Governor Paterson honors fallen firefighters

GOVERNOR PATERSON HONORS FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

Twelve Heroes Added to Firefighters Memorial Wall During Annual Ceremony to Commemorate Their Lives


Governor David A. Paterson today joins all New Yorkers in remembering 12 New York heroes who risked their lives for the safety of their fellow citizens.

The 12 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.

“I am humbled today to honor these New Yorkers who died in service to their community, performing duties we know are heroic but that firefighters think of as routine,” Governor Paterson said. “These brave men repeatedly answered the call to serve in harm’s way, putting their own safety on the line to protect others. They’ve made New York a better State, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

At this year’s ceremony the following twelve firefighters were honored:

2008
Firefighter Ryan T. Barker, West Hill Fire Department
Firefighter David P. Meron, Sr., Hoosick Falls Fire Department
Past Chief Edward A. Junginger, Levittown Fire Department
Firefighter Jamel M. Sears, New York City Fire Department
Lieutenant Robert J. Ryan, Jr., New York City Fire Department

2006
Firefighter Wilbur A. Ritter, Sayville Fire Department

1942
Lieutenant Frank P. Bertin, Endicott Fire Department

1936
Chief Edward J. Coiley, Moravia Fire Department

1932
1st Lieutenant Fordham O’Dell, North Bellmore Fire Department

1926
Firefighter Gomer W. Morgan, Nyack Fire Department

1901
Firefighter James H. Martin, Cazenovia Fire Department

1877
Firefighter Charles Walker, Cohoes Fire Department

The 12 firefighters being added to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall brings the total to 2,348. The Memorial Wall, officially dedicated on October 6, 1998, is located on the Empire State Plaza. Standing in front of the Wall is a bronze sculpture that depicts two firefighters carrying an injured colleague.

Governor Paterson declared October 4-10 Fire Prevention Week and October 6 Firefighter Appreciation Day in New York State. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Stay Fire Smart, Don't Get Burned.”

Governor Paterson has directed that flags on the State Capitol complex be flown at half-staff in honor of and tribute to New York State’s fallen firefighters.

The following statements were provided in honor of New York State’s fallen firefighters:

Senate President Malcolm A. Smith said: “Honoring the men and women who regularly sacrifice their own safety to serve and protect the people of New York State is a privilege. The names being displayed today on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall represent some of the finest men and women who called our state home and should be remembered for their bravery and ultimate sacrifice.”

Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson said: “The bravery and conviction of the men and women who risk their lives to protect others is testament to the tradition of New York’s Bravest. We celebrate the service of our fallen heroes and pay tribute to their families. We must remain faithful to their memories and respectful of their sacrifice.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “All New Yorkers owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the service of firefighters stationed in communities throughout our state. We must honor the memory and sacrifices of those who have perished while performing the task of saving lives and ensuring safety. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial is an important reminder of the courage, bravery and sacrifices made to protect our communities, families and our way 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.”

President of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs Norman J. Knapp said: “Each year we gather here to remember our fallen comrades who gave their all to protect the citizens of this great state. Just as importantly, we gather here to rededicate our efforts to ensure that the tragic loss suffered by their families and fellow firefighters was not in vain and we redouble our commitment to the fire service to ensure that after every call, everyone goes home.”

Thomas J. Cuff, Jr., President of the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), said: “The names going up on this Wall today remind us of the supreme sacrifice made by firefighters on behalf of their communities. This memorial is also a testament to the bravery and selflessness of the men and women in the fire service, ready at a moment’s notice to put their lives on the line to protect their neighbors, and the cities and towns in which they live.”

Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez said: “Today we acknowledge the bravery and valor of all of New York’s firefighters who pursue the calling to protect their community. The purpose of this stoic Wall remains timeless, to memorialize for generations to come the names of those who gave so that we may receive. Selfless dedication to help others is the sum and substance of a firefighter’s life. Let us offer our gratitude to the family and friends of these 12 extraordinary individuals. We acknowledge your grief and pray you find comfort in knowing the person you mourn gave his life so that others may live.”

State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner John Egan said: “Today, we gather to offer our profound gratitude and respect to the firefighters of New York State who have valiantly given their lives in service of others. OGS is honored to provide stewardship of this and 14 other memorials that stand as a lasting tribute to valiant New Yorkers.”

State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison said: “This solemn occasion not only memorializes those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but it also reminds each of us of the sacrifices and challenges that New York State’s firefighters face every day. It is the untold bravery and heroic acts that firefighters perform on a daily basis that help to keep all of New York’s citizens safer. This ceremony also focuses each and every firefighter to consciously perform their tasks and duties in the safest manner possible. Firefighter safety and the continued pursuit of safety needs to be kept in the forefront, and remembering our fallen brothers on this day helps all firefighters keep this focus.”