04/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/09/2024 22:26
September 4, 2024
The FDNY added the names of 32 members who died of illnesses related to their work in the rescue and recovery efforts following September 11th to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall during a ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Department headquarters in Brooklyn.
"Next week, we will mark the 23rd anniversary of September 1. As we do every year, we will reflect on the 343 members who died that day, and we will be sobered in knowing that those insurmountable losses did not end at the World Trade Center site," Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said at Wednesday's remembrance. "Instead, we have seen our members become sick because of time they spent working in the rescue and recovery. ... For you, their loved ones, the pain is fresh. Their losses have left gaping holes in our hearts that will not close. But while there is great sadness here, there is also tremendous gratitude for time spent, for promises kept, and in knowing that each of these members would do it all again if asked. That's the beauty of the FDNY. That's the power of a place that's home to people-like all of your loved ones-who are dedicated to doing good."
The Department has lost more than 360 members to World Trade Center-related illnesses.
"The 32 members we honor today and the many, many names that already hang inside (on the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall), did not hesitate to respond on September 11th and then search for days and weeks for their missing colleagues, friends and civilians," Acting Chief of Department John Esposito said. "In 2001, they knew they had a job to do, and they were selfless in their dedication. They did not think of themselves as they ran toward danger. They upheld the finest traditions of this Department-bravery, honor and call to service."
The inscription on the Memorial Wall reads: "Dedicated to the memory of those who bravely served this department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery effort at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center."
The names of the members added to the wall are as follows: