The Sixteenth Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony was held Tuesday at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.
This year’s ceremony honored nine New York State firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
With the addition of this group of nine fallen firefighters, the state’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial now contains the names of 2,381 firefighters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s additions are:
· Michael J. Chiapperini, Firefighter, West Webster Fire Dept., Monroe County, December 24, 2012
· Tomasz M. Kaczowka, Firefighter, West Webster Fire Dept., Monroe County, December 24, 2012
· Ronald J. Keddie, Firefighter, Sheridan Fire Department, Chautauqua County, June 27, 2012
· Richard A. Nappi, Lieutenant, New York City Fire Department, Kings County, April 16, 2012
· Gerard Marcheterre, Firefighter, Borodino Fire Department, Onondaga County, March 6, 2010
· Harry L. Davidson, Firefighter, Winona Lake Fire Department, Orange County, April 30, 1995
· George W. Dove, Firefighter, Skaneateles Fire Department, Onondaga County, July 12, 1965
· Isaac L. Ransom, Lieutenant, East Clinton Fire Department, Dutchess County, February 13, 1946
· James P. Wickham, Firefighter, Cutchogue Fire Department, Suffolk County, April 5, 1930
The State’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial recognizes and honors the men and women that have fallen in the line of duty, as well as pays tribute to the over 100,000 New York State firefighters who put their lives on the line every day. Fire Departments statewide respond to approximately 1.8 million incidents each year, which represents approximately 5,100 incidents daily; 215 incidents per hour; four incidents a minute.
“I deeply thank the incredibly brave men and women that battle fires across the state to keep New Yorkers safe, and as the former Chief of Police in Rochester, I recognize the loyalty firefighters demonstrate every time they are called to duty,” Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy said. “I have seen firsthand through the horrifying tragedy in Webster last year the devastating effect that losing public safety officers has on a community. This memorial ceremony brings us together to remember the nine members of our force lost statewide, and it is our hope that the Fallen Firefighters Memorial ensures that they, along with their courageous efforts and of those in past years, are never forgotten. We as New Yorkers forever honor these firefighters, their families, and those that currently serve, and thank them immeasurably for their service.”
Memorial Facts
- The New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial was dedicated by Governor George E. Pataki in 1998.
- In 1999, the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall was engraved with 1,805 names and unveiled by Governor Pataki in a dedication ceremony.
- The memory and the valor of our fallen firefighters is commemorated at the Memorial during Fire Prevention Week each year.
- As of October 9, 2012, there are 2,372 names on the wall.
- The 2011 New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony honored nine firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty.
- The earliest name on the wall is from the year 1811.
Governor Andrew Cuomo marked the day by issuing two proclamations honoring the state’s career and volunteer firefighters. The governor’s proclamations mark October 8 as the annual Firefighter Appreciation Day, and October 6-12 as New York’s annual Fire Prevention Week.
