Governor Kathy Hochul has honored the memory and heroism of 11 fallen firefighters during the 25th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The names of 10 men and one woman have been added to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial, which recognizes 2,631 individuals from across the state who died in service to their communities.
"Today we honor 11 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities," Governor Hochul said. "We remember these New Yorkers as selfless individuals with unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. We will never forget these heroes, and we stand with their grieving loved ones today and every day. New York is a better place because of their service."
"We are eternally indebted to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety. There is no greater calling in life than service to your community - service to others," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "The 11 fallen firefighters we honor today join 2,620 fallen firefighters already inscribed on the Memorial Wall. We grieve their loss, but also find inspiration in the love that drove them to service in the first place."
Lieutenant Governor Delgado joined other state officials at the ceremony to recognize the following individuals, whose names have been added to the Memorial at the Empire State Plaza:
- Joseph M. Boyle, New York City Fire Department
- John "Jack" A. Bradley, West Islip Fire Department
- Doris L. Groene, Vigilant Engine & Hook & Ladder Co., Inc.
- Irving A. Isenberg, Getzville Fire Company, Inc.
- Joseph W. Maiello, New York City Fire Department
- Vincent L. Malveaux, New York City Fire Department
- Thomas G. Manley, New York City Fire Department
- Stanley J. May, The Roslyn Highlands Hook & Ladder, Engine & Hose Co.
- Frank Portelle, New York City Fire Department
- John P. Poulos, New York City Fire Department
- Guy J. Romano, Westbury Fire Department
Dedicated in 1998, the Memorial honors the memory and valor of New York's fallen firefighters and pays tribute to the more than 100,000 New York State active firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect New Yorkers. In 2021, firefighters statewide responded to more than 1.5 million incidents and nationally, fire departments answered 36 million calls for service and responded to more than 1.3 million fires.
Governor Hochul also issued two proclamations to honor the state's career and volunteer firefighters, marking today as Firefighter Appreciation Day, and the week of October 9 as Fire Prevention Week. Every day, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control within the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services works in partnership with local fire departments, fire service organizations, school districts, civic groups and the National Fire Prevention Association to provide information and programs about the importance of fire safety awareness.
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "We join with the families of these 11 fallen heroes today to mourn the loss of their loved ones and revere the service of each. We will never forget these brave men and women who put their own safety on the line every day as a member of the fire service and dedicated their lives to protecting their communities."
New York State Fire Administrator James Cable said, "We gather today to honor 11 brave firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties to keep their fellow New Yorkers safe. Please remember these fallen firefighters for their contributions to protecting all of us, and those that continue to serve and risk their lives for the people of New York."
About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of essential services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges and the citizens of New York to help ensure the safety of all stakeholders. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations and technical rescue programs.
About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, or visit our website.