The 2008 NYS Fallen Firefighter Memorial Booklet
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State of New York DaviD a. PaterSoN Governor October 7, 2008 Dear Friends: Each year, we gather at this poignantly beautiful memorial to honor our fallen firefighters and their sacrifices in service to New York State’s communities. I solemnly join with the loving families and friends of these heroes – as well as legions of firefighters – to commemorate their lives and legacy. The Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony reflects our sadness over the untimely deaths of this state’s firefighters and our pride in them and all men and women in fire service. The entire family of New Yorkers shares in this moment to remember these exceptionally brave individuals and offers support to those left behind. While the pain never completely ends, they can be assured that the death of their loved one was not in vain, as it was a fervent call to duty that inspired them to serve. There are now more than 2,300 names inscribed on the Fallen Firefighters MemorialWall, each one representing an individual who served a noble and courageous cause. Today, as always, it is a difficult task to add the names of those lost in the line of duty over the past year to the memorial. While it is an event where we can collectively mourn our loss, it also reflects our pride in all who have devoted themselves to fire service. We owe a lasting debt of gratitude to the more than 100,000 firefighters who serve in communities across New York State and recognize their dedication to protecting the lives of their fellow citizens, always willing to put themselves at great personal risk. With true heart, compassion and selflessness, they respond to emergencies day and night – and we who count on them to save lives and prevent disaster, thank each and every one of them. It is certainly heartbreaking when the best are taken from us and I offer my deepest sympathy to the families who have lost a precious family member. All New Yorkers salute those who made the ultimate sacrifice and we will never forget just how proud they were to carry out their responsibilities with a degree of valor that is unfathomable to most of us. Warmest regards to all of you. Sincerely, DAVID A. PATERSON executive chamber State capitol albany 12224 http://www.state.ny.us ThE Senate State OF NEW YORk ALbANY 12247 DEAN G. SkELOS PRESIDENT PRO TEM MAjORITY LEADER October 7, 2008 Dear Friends: It is an honor and privilege to join with you today at this year’s salute to New York State’s fallen firefighters. As New Yorkers, we all benefit from the tremendous public service that our firefighters provide. Unfortunately, due to their unselfish acts of courage, some will make the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for the sake of others. The New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial is our tribute to those brave souls. This monument stands as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. While we feel the pain of their families’ sacrifice, we are inspired by the exceptional character and excellence that they demonstrated as firefighters and New Yorkers. Today is a day to honor these departed firefighters while also giving thanks to those who continue to serve New York with the highest level of commitment. On behalf of the Senate, I am proud to extend my deepest appreciation to this distinguished group of firefighters and to recognize their exceptional commitment to the safety of our citizens, communities and state. Sincerely, Dean G. Skelos Senate Majority Leader NEW YORk STATE ASSEMbLY October 7, 2008 Dear Friends: It is a privilege today to welcome you to this year’s dedication ceremony at the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial. On this solemn occasion, we are drawn together to commemorate the bravery and heroism of those who lost their lives trying to save others. As we grieve with their family members, we are also inspired by their exceptional character and unwavering commitment to our community. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial serves as a silent testimony to their exceptional valor. It also reminds us of the tremendous dedication of all firefighters who put their lives at risk every time they answer the alarm. On behalf of the New York State Assembly, I extend my appreciation to all those who have joined us today to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice. The names on this monument will forever honor the tremendous service and legacy of their heroism. Sincerely, ShELDON SILVER Speaker S TA T E O F N E W YO RK DEPART MENT OF ST AT E S TA T E O F N E W YO RK S TA T E O F N E W YO RK DEPART MENT OF ST AT E DEOPNAERTCMO EMNMTE ROCFE SP LTAAZTAE 99 W A SH IN G TO N A VE NU E ON E C O M M E RC E P L A ZA DAVID A. PATERSON ON E C O M M E RC E P L A ZA LORRAINE A. CORTÉS-VÁZQUEZ GOVE R N OR A L BA NY , N Y 12231-0001 SECRETARY OF STA TE DAVID A. PATERSON 99 W A SH IN G TO N A VE NU E LDORAVRIADINAE. AP.ACTEORRSTOÉSN-VÁZQUEZ 99 W A SH IN G TO N A VE NU E LORRAINE A. CORTÉS-VÁZQUEZ GOVE R N OR A L BA NY , N Y 12231-0001 GSOEVCERRENTAORRY OF STA TE A L BA NY , N Y 12231-0001 SECRETARY OF STA TE October 7, 2008 Dear Friends: We are proud to join with families, friends and colleagues in the eleventh year of the New York State Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony commemorating firefighters who have made the supreme sacrifice. This tradition solemnly honors our State’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in the courageous performance of their duties. This year’s ceremony pays tribute to ten Empire State firefighters. These courageous New Yorkers, who fell in the line of duty, gave their lives so that others may live. Today, we bear witness to this selfless dedication—the midnight calls, leaving family and friends to endure hard physical challenges and dangerous conditions– these are the sum and substance of a firefighter’s life. Firefighters risk their lives to defend people they are likely not to know and may never see again. They perfectly exemplify the spirit of community. They protect citizens, property and the environment. We owe them a debt of gratitude for the valor they have demonstrated in a service they loved. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial will memorialize for generations to come the sacrifice of those whose names are inscribed here and to remind us of the bravery and valor of all those who pursue this exalted calling – New York’s firefighters. This solemn wall does not attempt to recount the courageous and inspiring stories of individual firefighters. It stands rather as a giant stone ledger, whereon each year we tally the debt that we as a society owe the firefighting community, a debt of gratitude we fully realize can never be repaid. May we find solace knowing that the individuals we mourn will be remembered and honored by generations to come. Sincerely, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez New York State Secretary of State WWW.DOS.STATE.NY.US • E-MAIL: [email protected] WWW.DOS.STATE.NY.US • E-MAIL: [email protected] WWW.DOS.STATE.NY.US • E-MAIL: [email protected] NYS DEPARTMENT OF STATE S TA T E O F N E W YO RK DEPART MENT OF ST AT E ON E C O M M E RC E P L A ZA DAVID A. PATERSON 99 W A SH IN G TO N A VE NU E LORRAINE A. CORTÉS-VÁZQUEZ GOVE R N OR A L BA NY , N Y 12231-0001 SECRETARY OF STA TE October 7, 2008 Dear Friends: The New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony is a solemn tradition. 2008 marks the eleventh year we have gathered to commemorate our fallen comrades. We welcome families, friends, and colleagues here to honor those who have made the supreme sacrifice. We take this time to reflect on their dedication to the service they loved and their bravery in the performance of their duties. The loss of any firefighter is a loss to the entire firefighting community. Moreover, it is a loss to family and community. Firefighters unstintingly give of themselves to service with the certain knowledge that such service may result in the sacrifice of their lives.This to protect us all. In an effort to protect our firefighters, I pledge that the Office of Fire Prevention and Control will continue to strive for the most current technology as well as the best methods and safety practices in our training and assistance programs. Our goal is to one day gather to celebrate a time when no names need be added to this Memorial Wall. I am humbled and honored to be part of this ceremony. It is a reflection of the firefighter’s devotion to duty. Today, we remember and celebrate those who have served and those who continue to serve in the noble calling of firefighter. Sincerely, Floyd A. Madison State Fire Administrator Office of Fire Prevention and Control PHONE: (518) 474-6746 • FAX: (518) 474-3240 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • WEB: www.dos.state.ny.us/fire WWW.DOS.STATE.NY.US • E-MAIL: [email protected] NEW YORK STATE FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL COMMITTEE, INC.