Photo Courtesy of FDNY
The World Trade Center Memorial Wall at FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn.
By Michael V. Cusenza
In a somber, moving tribute ceremony, the City Fire Department on Friday added the names of 22 members who died of illnesses related to their work in the World Trade Center rescue and recovery efforts to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall at FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn.
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
“What would have seemed unimaginable then, is our harsh reality now—that the number of FDNY lives claimed continues to grow, well beyond 343, with no end in sight,” said City Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.
“What would have seemed unimaginable then, is our harsh reality now—that the number of FDNY lives claimed continues to grow, well beyond 343, with no end in sight,” said City Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “To date, more than 200 men and women who responded that day, and who worked in the dangerous and painful rescue and recovery effort that followed, have lost their lives. Every few weeks, or many times a month, we learn from a friend or a former colleague that yet another member has succumbed to illness. Our department gathers, we mourn, and we renew our promise to never forget.”
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
To date, more than 200 men and women who responded on Sept. 11, 2001, and who worked in the rescue and recovery effort that followed at Ground Zero, have died.
Of the nearly two-dozen new names added to the wall on Friday, four worked at borough fire companies: Firefighter Brent Crobak, Engine Co. 251 (Glen Oaks); Firefighter Daniel Bove, Engine Co. 251 (Glen Oaks); Firefighter Michael McDonald, Ladder Co. 128 (Long Island City); Firefighter John Elges, Ladder Co. 134 (Far Rockaway).
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
Friday’s ceremony featured the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.
The inscription on the WTC 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.”
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
Family members laid white roses at the base of the Memorial Wall.
