New York City Fire Commissioner, Nicholas Scoppetta

James Gordon Bennett, publisher of the New York Herald and namesake of the Department’s highest Medal Day honor, once asked in 1854, “where can a man go and find deeds of greater heroism than in the history of the New York Firemen?” The indisputable answer to that question is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago: few other organizations can match the daily heroism of New York’s Bravest.

This past year in particular has been marked by moments of extraordinary bravery. Firefighters, Lieutenants, Captains and Chiefs have all gone above and beyond the call of duty, risking their lives to save others, even though they often humbly remark that it’s “part of the job.” I am enormously proud of these individuals. I congratulate and commend you for continuing this Department’s long tradition of greatness and courage under fire.

I am equally proud of all those who, in the hours, days and months following September 11th, served this Department and their fallen comrades with immense dedication. To honor the commitment of those who served at the World Trade Center--both on the morning of the attacks and throughout the recovery effort--we have incorporated a symbolic presentation of World Trade Center Survivor, Rescuer and Campaign medals as part of this year’s Medal Day ceremony.
Finally, congratulations also are deserved by those other members of the Fire Department not being individually honored today. Firefighting is teamwork and behind every medal winner are other Firefighters who made that “grab” possible—members of the team who help get the job done and save lives every day. Without them, the heroic deeds of the past year would not have been possible.

Thank you all for continuing a tradition of bravery, heroism and greatness that has spanned nearly a century and a half. Thank you for ensuring that this continues to be the greatest Fire Department in the world.