Empire State Plaza • Albany, New York
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Empire State Plaza • Albany, New York 2015 State of New York Executive Chamber ANDREW M. CUOMO Albany 12224 GOVERNOR October 6, 2015 Dear Friends: Each October, the firefighting community of New York State gathers in Albany for the difficult task of adding names to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial in memory of colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty. This 18th annual ceremony allows us the opportunity to show our immense respect and gratitude to all 2,398 individuals, including the eight whose names that will now appear with those already inscribed on the memorial. Each name represents a courageous and honorable individual who gave his or her life in service to their community, and we pay tribute to each and every heroic sacrifice that was made to serve and protect others. We not only express our eternal gratitude to them, but extend immeasurable appreciation to the more than 100,000 brave men and women in fire service who, today, continue to put themselves at risk to save lives and protect our communities. They serve in every remote comer of this state with dedication to their fellow New Yorkers, exemplifying true compassion and selflessness as they respond to emergencies day and night. We who benefit most from the readiness and willingness of our statewide firefighting communities thank each and everyone of them. Today, and every day, our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost a loved one in such service. Sincerely, Andrew M. Cuomo www.ny.gov THE SENATE STATE OF NEW YORK ALBANY 12247 JOHN J. FLANAGAN 2ND SENATE DISTRICT PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE MAJORITY LEADER COALITION LEADER October 6, 2015 Dear Friends: I’m honored to welcome you to the 2015 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony. Each year we pay tribute to the thousands of courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the communities of New York State. This year, New York’s Roll of Honor adds eight firefighters whose names will be etched in stone as a symbol of our gratitude for their valor. We join together today to mourn 2,398 of New York’s heroes and hope that the recognition provided will give strength and comfort to their loved ones and all who knew them. On behalf of the New York State Senate, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of these brave individuals and to their partners from their local fire departments that are here with us today. Our fallen heroes’ exceptional dedication, selflessness, and commitment will never be forgotten. Sincerely, John J. Flanagan Temporary President and Senate Majority Leader THE SENATE STATE OF NEW YORK ALBANY 12247 JEFFREY D. KLEIN INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE LEADER October 6, 2015 Dear Friends: It is truly an honor to extend my warmest greetings to each of you attending the 18th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony. This solemn occasion provides an opportunity for all New Yorkers to commemorate the valor of our firefighters, paying special tribute to the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, eight names have been added this year to the 2,390 already inscribed on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall. Though we can never fully express our gratitude for these selfless individuals, this memorial shows their families and colleagues that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their actions will forever be in our hearts and their bravery will continue to inspire the world for years to come. As we gather to thank our heroes and their families on this day, we also give our highest appreciation to those firefighters who continue to put their lives on the line for the safety of others and the communities throughout New York State. It is a blessing to know that wherever there is peril, there will be those who are there to help keep us safe. Sincerely, Senator Jeffrey D. Klein NYS Senate Coalition Leader and Independent Democratic Conference Leader NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY October 6, 2015 Dear Friends: It is an honor and a privilege to welcome you as you gather to honor our fallen firefighters at the 18th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony. As you gather for this observance, it should be a reminder of the sense of duty and courageousness that firefighters exemplify. New York owes firefighters a great debt of gratitude for the valor they demonstrate in a service they love. They risk their lives to protect citizens, property and the environment. They respond to emergencies with tremendous dedication and selflessness at any hour of the day or night. This solemn memorial reflects the ultimate sacrifice that our fallen firefighters have made for the people of New York State, and we are drawn together to commemorate the bravery and heroism of those who lost their lives in the line of duty. As we grieve with family members and friends, we are also inspired by their exceptional character and unwavering commitment to our communities. On behalf of the New York State Assembly, I extend my appreciation to those who made the supreme sacrifice. The names on this monument will forever honor their tremendous service and the legacy of their heroism. Sincerely, CARL E. HEASTIE Speaker 1220 WASHINGTON AVENUE, BUILDING 7A • ALBANY, NY 12226 October 6, 2015 Friends: It is an honor to join others gathered here today, as well as with individuals across the state, to remember the eight New York State fallen firefighters who passed away while serving to protect their fellow citizens. These eight, brave individuals each served their respective communities well and today we remember their steadfast commitment, selfless dedication and professionalism toward keeping our state’s citizens safe and secure. Today we honor these eight individuals, as well as their nearly 2,400 fellow fighters, who gave their lives in the line of duty. We bestow a large debt of gratitude to all of these fallen firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their duties. The New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial gives all New Yorkers a way to pay tribute to those firefighters who put protecting the citizens of this state above all else. Every day firefighters from communities both big and small put their lives on the line to protect people in this state. No matter what size community they serve, they all have a singular dedication to protecting their fellow citizens and communities from disasters. It is my hope that all New Yorkers will use this occasion to remember these eight firefighters, their families and the other fallen firefighters in their prayers and to find a way to thank all firefighters who continue to serve for the work they do every day to protect all of us from harm. Sincerely, John P. Melville Commissioner phone: 518.242.5000 • fax: 518.402.2052 • web: www.dhses.ny.gov 1220 WASHINGTON AVENUE, BUILDING 7A • ALBANY, NY 12226 October 6, 2015 Dear Firefighters: This year marks the 18th time that we have gathered at this memorial site to honor and remember those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, eight more names join the 2,390 others on the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial. These eight firefighters responded to the call of duty, and it is their selfless acts that we reflect upon today. All firefighters risk their lives each day to serve their communities. They are owed a debt of gratitude, but these eight individuals deserve so much more for the valor they have demonstrated and the sacrifice they have made. It is our duty as firefighters to not only honor our fallen comrades, but to support and assist the families of our fallen brothers and sisters. Many of us will leave here with our lives unchanged, but the families of those whose names are on this wall have had their lives changed forever. This Memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery, dedication and professionalism of New York’s firefighters. This memorial ceremony provides each of us the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made by the 2,398 firefighters whose names are permanently etched on this wall and to honor their memory. Sincerely, Bryant D. Stevens State Fire Administrator phone: (518) 474-6746 • fax: (518) 474-3240 • e-mail: [email protected] • web: www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc NEW YORK STATE FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL COmmITTEE, Inc. 6 October 2015 Dear Firefighters, Families, Honored Guests and Friends: Two thousand and fifteen marks the eighteenth year of the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony. We as firefighters, survivors, friends, and legislators have gathered here in Albany to honor those who have gone before us. This year’s Ceremony will pay tribute to the eight firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. As each year passes, we come together to recognize our fallen firefighters. This recognition of those who have given the supreme sacrifice and all those that serve is an emotional gathering, and at the same time, a joyful occasion. It is with this occasion that we celebrate firefighters for their courageous valor, dedication, tradition, honor, and ultimate sacrifice. “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” ~Joseph Campbell To those families who have lost a loved one, we pray for your solace. Please know that these firefighters have gone before us in honor and with great courage. They continue to hallow our profession. On behalf of the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Committee, Inc. Gunnar L. Neilson Chairperson Kenneth Hoffarth James H. Williams Vice Chairperson Treasurer 107 WASHINGTON AVENUE • ALBANY, NY 12210-2269 • PHONE: (518) 434-0987 • FAX: (518) 426-0139 The Firefighters’ Creed © Tim Murphy 2001 There’s a War that’s being fought without Bombs or Rifle-shot; There are deadly confrontations every day.