Medal Day 2004

Mayor of New York City, Michael R. Bloomberg

June 2, 2004

Dear Friends:

It is a privilege and a pleasure to join with you today as we gather on the steps of City Hall to celebrate those Firefighters and Fire Officers who have gone far above and beyond the call of duty. As we honor today’s medal winners, we also pay tribute to Firefighters Thomas Brick and James O’Shea, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of New York City.

During the past year, New York has seen the greatest, most sophisticated Fire Department in the world build upon its history of success. The FDNY has opened new training facilities, strengthened its terrorism preparedness, expanded its haz-mat capabilities and released its first-ever strategic plan. And today’s ceremony only underscores the fact that our Firefighters have never stopped performing the amazing feats of courage and compassion with which they earned their nickname, The Bravest. Your strength and spirit continue to be an inspiration for all of New York City.

On behalf of all eight million residents, I congratulate today’s medal winners. You have raised the bar for your peers and challenged them to reach even higher levels of excellence. I also commend all members of the Fire Department for the work you do every day to protect New Yorkers. You have gained this great City’s deepest respect and gratitude.

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