Each year, New York State holds a special ceremony at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the Empire State Plaza to recognize the sacrifices of fallen firefighters. During this year's ceremony, 25 names were added to the Wall of Honor, which now features the names of 2,312 firefighters.
"As we gather here to reflect upon the loss of these 25 firefighters, we also express our gratitude for their efforts and the selfless dedication of the men and women of the fire service," Governor Pataki said. "The lives lost are a painful reminder of the dangers firefighter face every day, and we pay tribute to all whose dedication and sacrifices symbolize the caring spirit of New Yorkers. In our grief, we honor those who have fallen, commemorate the bravery of the generations who have served, and pray for the safety of those who protect the lives of our citizens."
The traditional Memorial Ceremony opened with the posting of the colors by Albany Fire Department Honor Guard and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Emerald Society Pipe and Drum, followed by the singing of our National Anthem by FDNY Firefighter Regina Wilson, and an invocation by the Reverend Joseph Salerno, chaplain of the Utica Fire Department. The Reverend Gerald J. Buckley, chaplain of the New York State Professional Firefighter's Association led a prayer for the safety of firefighters, and Governor Pataki and other dignitaries spoke of the bravery and sacrifices of the fallen firefighters and all members of the fire service. The names of the fallen firefighters were then read and bells were rung in their memory.
Governor Pataki and representatives of major fire organizations placed wreaths at the base of the memorial and the Firefighter's Creed was performed. After a moment of silence and a benediction, "Taps" was performed by Mark C. Stella and Steven E. Stella of the West Albany Fire Department, followed by a flyover by the New York State Police Aviation Unit. The ceremony concluded with the Retiring of the Colors by the Albany FD Color Guard and the singing of "America the Beautiful" by the group Seisiun.
Governor Pataki officially dedicated the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial on October 5, 1998. The memorial stands on the northeast side of the Empire State Plaza, easily accessible to the hundreds of thousand of visitors who travel to the Capitol and Plaza each year. The memorial features a 54-foot by 15-foot gray granite wall, with 2,312 names permanently etched into the stone. In front of the wall stands a 10-foot high dark bronze sculpture of two firefighters rescuing an injured colleague. The sculpture rests on a paved plaza with charcoal and red bricks forming a Maltese Cross, the symbol of the firefighting ideals of saving lives and extinguishing fires.
The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony is held each year during national Fire Prevention Week, as a tribute to the bravery and memories of these fallen heroes and a reminder to all New Yorkers of the sacrifices made on their behalf. Governor Pataki has designated October 8-14, 2006 to be Fire Prevention Week and October 10, 2006 to be Firefighter Appreciation Day in the Empire State.
New York has approximately 109,000 career and volunteer firefighters serving in communities across the State.
The names being added to the Wall of Honor this year are:
2005
Firefighter John G. Bellew - New York City Fire Department, Bronx County Fire Police Lieutenant William Bostian - West Webster Fire Department, Monroe County Firefighter Robert G. Brooks, Sr. - Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department, Orange County Assistant Chief Michael D. Falkouski - Rensselaer Fire Department, Rensselaer County Firefighter Christopher W. Dill - Buffalo Fire Department, Erie County Firefighter Jason D. Hasenauer - Hilton Fire Department, Monroe County Firefighter Peter E. Hotaling - Claverack Fire Department, Columbia County Firefighter John Husser - Rockville Centre Fire Department, Nassau County Firefighter Peter Lund - Woodmere Fire Department, Nassau County Firefighter William R. McAnally - Ossining Fire Department, Westchester County Firefighter James E. Mero, Jr. - Willsboro Volunteer Fire Department, Essex County Lieutenant Curtis W. Meyran - New York City Fire Department, Bronx County Firefighter Dale A. Monica - Burke Volunteer Fire Department, Franklin County Firefighter James J. ONeil - Hempstead Fire Department, Nassau County Captain E. Timothy Parsell - Collins Fire Department, Erie County Firefighter Richard T. Sclafani - New York City Fire Department, Kings County Firefighter Todd Smith - New Paltz Fire Department, Ulster County Firefighter Jeffrey L. Wiener - Lynbrook Fire Department, Nassau County Firefighter/Commissioner Alfred A. Wohrman - Beekman Volunteer Fire Department, Dutchess County
2001
Firefighter Glenn J. Winuk - Jericho Fire Department, Nassau County
1973
Firefighter Lewis D. McManus - New Woodstock Fire Department, Madison County
1930
Hoseman William Ewing - Cohoes Fire Department, Albany County
1915
Captain William J. Ford - Binghamton Fire Department, Broome County
1910
Firefighter Ernest Starrett - Hudson Falls Fire Department, Washington County
1898
Firefighter Francis J. Hehar Binghamton Fire, Broome County
