Medal Day 2004

New York City Fire Commissioner, Nicholas Scoppetta

Today, we salute the bravest of The Bravest.
This is, without a doubt, the proudest day in the Fire Department’s calendar. It confirms the public’s own image of the FDNY as a selfless, committed group of brave men and women willing to save lives at the risk of their own. Of all the events I attend as Fire Commissioner, the Medal Day ceremonies give me the deepest sense of pride and honor.

Of course, today’s medal winners are the first to acknowledge that their daring feats were not individual achievements. As we all know, firefighting is teamwork. Behind many of these heroic acts were Firefighters operating the line to protect the inside team; engine company chauffeurs keeping the water flowing; ladder company chauffeurs positioning their aerials or buckets as a precautionary egress; and the Officers who put their companies’ safety before their own.

Today’s joy must be tempered slightly as we remember two Firefighters, James O’Shea and Thomas Brick, who died last year in the line of duty. One was a veteran, the other a “junior man.” But they both lived and died doing what they loved to do and their bravery and selflessness have brought great honor to the Fire Department and New York City.

The Fire Department’s motto--“Courage, Duty”--is on full display today. It played a factor in virtually every one of today’s awards. I congratulate all the medal winners. I commend their companies. And I salute all members of the Fire Department who continue to serve New York City with dedication and bravery.

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