Firefighter Memorial Wall "Brady Bill" Passes Both Houses

In an extraordinary grassroots effort, a bill to ensure that the names of all firefighters who die in the line of duty are placed on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall in Albany was passed in both the Assembly and Senate just before the end of the regular session. Essentially, the bill ensures that the name of any firefighter whose death is recognized as a line of duty death by federal or state authorities would be included on the wall.

Although the effort was strongly supported by the coalition that creates the "Issues of United Concern," it was ultimately the strong efforts of those closest to firefighters in Suffolk, Nassau, and the Southern Tier that made this possible. These local lobbyists put a personal face on the issue, bringing the issue home for legislative leaders.

Past Chief Chris Shelton of the East Rockaway Fire Department in Nassau County worked closely with the bill sponsors, Senator Dean Skelos and Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg. Chief Shelton said, "This bill addresses a long standing inequity by treating all firefighters equally. This effort shows what can happen when all firefighters work towards a common goal for the good of each other."

The bill (S.4655/A.5933) has been sent back to the Senate and will be sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo for his consideration in the near future. The bill was named in honor of Malverne Firefighter Paul Brady, who died in the line of duty almost five years ago. Although his death was recognized as a line of duty event, the committee that oversaw the names that were put on the wall could never muster enough votes to have the name inscribed.

"I am pleased that fallen firefighter Paul Brady will finally receive this distinction that is very long overdue," said Senate Majority Leader Skelos. "Paul was a devoted husband, a loyal friend, and a dedicated firefighter who under a tragic set of circumstances was killed in the line of duty. The passage of this legislation ensures that Paul's name will be inscribed on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial where it belongs."

"On behalf of the Malverne Volunteer Fire Department and the family and friends of our deceased brother firefighter, Paul Ryan Brady, we are pleased with the passage of the bill in both the Senate and Assembly," said Malverne Fire Chief Daniel Morgan. "We look forward to the governor’s signature giving Paul the honor he deserves for giving his life for the residents of his community."

"While there is no way to repay the families of firefighters who make the ultimate sacrifice, the state memorial is a small way for New York to recognize their service," Assemblyman Weisenberg said.

Click here to contact the governor's office to show your support for this legislation.