Bronx Post Reporter
On October 9, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams joined Fire Department officials and hundreds of firefighters at the annual FDNY Memorial Day ceremony, honoring the lives of the department’s members who have died in the past year.
Held under a clear blue sky, the event was a somber yet uplifting tribute to those who dedicated their lives to serving the city.
Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker opened the ceremony by acknowledging the significance of the day.
“Good morning, everyone, and welcome. Thank you for gathering to honor the lives of the members who have died in the last year. Memorial Day is a sad day, but a necessary day for our department,” he stated.
He reflected on the losses the FDNY has faced, particularly noting, “Since you were here last year, we’ve suffered the loss of 14 members, two of those in the line of duty, including Frederick Whiteside and Supervising Fire Marshal George Snyder.”
Tucker emphasized the ongoing impact of World Trade Center-related illnesses, revealing that “more than 370 members have died of illness related to their time at the World Trade Center.”
He urged attendees to remember the courage and dedication of those being honored, stating, “The members we honor today were all selfless, amazing people who gave their lives in dedication to service of our city.”
John Esposito, Chief of Operations for the Fire Department, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strong sense of family within the FDNY.
“This event is a very special one on our calendar. … This great turnout today reminds me that we are truly a family,” he said.
He further explained, “Duty compels our members to rush toward danger when others retreat. Sacrifice reflects the profound loss we endure when that duty costs them their lives.”
Esposito noted that the names of the fallen would be honored permanently: “Their names and stories will be remembered. Their plaques will be hung in firehouses, offices, and EMS stations around the city. They are forever a part of the FDNY.”
Mayor Adams took the stage to share his personal reflections on loss and resilience.
“I still recall September 11th, 2001, going down to our center of trade, watching the smoldering grounds,” he recalled. He spoke of the pain felt in the aftermath of that tragic day, stating, “Even after losing 343 members directly on that day, we got up. With all the pain, with all the uncertainty, we got up. And we continued to show who we are and our resiliency.”
He reinforced the commitment of the FDNY to support the families of the fallen. “You should know that you’re always part of this family,” Adams told the families present. “We will never surrender. We will never give in. We will always fight for what this country represents.”
In a powerful conclusion, he honored both the fallen and their families: “From the days of my 19-year-old uncle who died on the fields of Vietnam, to the days of the 14 individuals we honor today, it personifies what makes us great as a country. Service, bravery, commitment, dedication, resiliency. That is who we are. God bless FDNY. God bless America. May God bless our city.”
The ceremony served not only as a memorial but also as a reaffirmation of the values that define the FDNY and its unwavering commitment to service.
Bronx Post Reporter 1
