On Wednesday, October 7th, the FDNY Foundation joined the FDNY for one of the most solemn days on the FDNY Calendar, the 119th Annual FDNY Memorial Day Service. Eleven FDNY members who have died in the past year were honored.
The FDNY Foundation honors and remembers the eleven FDNY members lost this year and their bravery, dedication, service, and sacrifice to the FDNY and the people and City of New York. They will never be forgotten.
“The 11 FDNY members we honor today were incredible people. They took an oath to protect and serve the people of New York City, and they acted out that oath every single day,” Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. “They lived with honor and they served with courage. Today, we pay tribute to our fallen members the way the FDNY always has—with silence in ceremony, wearing our uniforms proudly, carrying respect and love for their families. Remembering matters.”
Chief of Department John Esposito said: “It is important that we honor our fallen members and that we remember how they lived their lives and that we never allow their names to be forgotten. The traditions of this Department are strong, and nothing demonstrates that more than the turnout on Memorial Day.”
The 11 FDNY members honored at this year’s ceremony are:
- Paramedic Salih Abdur-Rahman, Station 16*
- Lieutenant Patrick Brady, Ladder 120*
- Firefighter Joseph Herman, Ladder 111
- Firefighter Aaron Clark, Rescue 1
- EMS Lieutenant James McGee IV, Station 54
- EMT Emilio “Pete” Martinez, Station 10
- EMT Frederick Benjamin, Station 43
- Firefighter Karan Thadhani, Ladder 135
- EMS Lieutenant Paul Ardizzone, EMS SOC
- Paramedic Willie Marshall Jr., Station 26
- Lieutenant Michael Peirano, Engine 8
*Died in the line of duty
To view more photos from the ceremony, click HERE.