Fallen Heroes Honored at New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial

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The names of six fallen firefighters were added to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall this year in a ceremony that took place on October 9, 2012, at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, N.Y. Two of the firefighters honored perished in 2010, while the others were lost in previous years, dating back to 1922.

Firefighter Paul R. Brady of the Malverne Fire Department was among those honored this year. Brady was lost in a work related accident in July of 2006. The recently passed "Brady Bill," named in his honor, ensures that any firefighter who dies will be included on the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial if the death is recognized as being in the line of duty by an "authoritative agency, including, but not limited to, the Worker’s Compensation Board, the Federal Department of Justice, or the Office of Fire Prevention and Control."

As of this year’s ceremony, there are a total of 2,372 names etched onto the granite wall. The earliest firefighter fatality dates back to 1811.

Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy, Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Service, Honorable Hugh T. Farley representing the New York State Senate, and Honorable Steve Englebright representing the New York State Assembly, were among those who addressed the crowd that included family and comrades of the fallen firefighters. All remarked on the bravery and heroism of those who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, and praised the courage and dedication of the Empire State’s fire and EMS personnel who protect citizens and property in this state every day.

New York state honors the memory and valor of its fallen firefighters at the memorial during Fire Prevention Week each year. Click here to learn more about the memorial, which was dedicated in 1998. 

Click here to view photos from the ceremony on NYSAFC’s Facebook page.