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 In
1994 during the first year of my Administration, I was
honored to host my first FDNY Medal Day at City Hall.
Over the course of my term as Mayor of the City of New
York, my highest priority has been preserving public
health and safety. I have been proud to have the New
York City Fire Department--the world’s finest Fire
Department--as a constant partner in this effort.
For decades, members of the New York City Fire Department
have been called “New York City’s Bravest,”
an honor that is richly deserved. Today, we honor the
bravest of the Bravest--firefighters who have performed
acts of courage and heroism well above and way beyond
the call of duty. New York City firefighters help people
who need help the most--people who are trapped, scared,
crippled and sometimes not even conscious. It is a privilege
to acknowledge the heroic actions of such dedicated
public servants as yourselves who work tirelessly on
behalf of the eight million citizens of New York City.
Countless times I have been called to grave emergencies
throughout the five boroughs and, each time, I personally
have witnessed the dedication and bravery of New York
City firefighters. Each and every time, I have seen
the caring, compassion and concern of FDNY’s men
and women who give of themselves--often at risk to their
own lives--to help others.
This Medal Day, I congratulate each
winner for setting examples of heroism, sacrifice
and courage that shine as a beacon for all New Yorkers
to admire and emulate. Each of you justly deserves this
award. Similarly, each of you deserves the heartfelt
gratitude of all New Yorkers, including those people
who actually were saved by your actions during the past
year and those who rest assured, knowing that you always
will be there to help in a heartbeat if the need arises.
View this year's Medal Recipients
Thomas Von Essen
Fire Commissioner
 Today,
for the 131st time in our history, we come together
to honor, congratulate and thank our fellow firefighters
for their acts of courage and selfless dedication. We
honor them because their actions were above and beyond
even the courage and commitment that we have come to
expect as the hallmark of a New York City Firefighter.
We congratulate them because their acts have added
another shining chapter to the proud and noble history
of this Department. We thank them because they have
made each of us who has ever worn the uniform of a New
York City firefighter realize--once again--how fortunate
and blessed we are to be a member of this great Department
and to be called as they are, Firefighters.
View this year's Medal Recipients
Peter J. Ganci
Chief of Department
 Medal
Day belongs to all of us in the Fire Department. Those
who, in some way, went above and beyond are honored
today. And, the rest of us are privileged to congratulate
them and share in their glory.
While these 50 or so Medal
winners are being singled out today, many others
deserve credit for making it possible for them to garner
the individual accolades.
The greatness of this Department is based on the individual
effort of each of its members acting as one.
The point is, the fire service is dependent on teamwork.
And those being applauded today are the “stars”
of the team. Congratulations!
View this year's Medal Recipients
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