Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor

Dear Friends:

It is an honor to join with you today to celebrate the Firefighters and Fire Officers who have demonstrated unbreakable allegiance to the people of our great City. As we honor today’s medal winners, we also pay tribute to Lieutenants Curtis Meyran and John Bellew and Firefighters Christian Engeldrum and Richard Sclafani, who selflessly gave their lives to protect the rest of us.

Since its founding 140 years ago, the New York City Fire Department has put out more than two million fires and saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Today, the Department is home to the most talented, most professional, most courageous Firefighters in the world. Under the dynamic leadership of Commissioner Scoppetta, the FDNY keeps improving even with the additional responsibilities of defending our City against acts of terrorism. Last year, for instance, New York recorded the lowest number of fire fatalities since 1919, despite the fact that 21/2 million more people are living within the City’s limits.

On behalf of all eight million residents and the many millions more who come to New York City to work, visit or vacation, I congratulate today’s medal winners. You have raised the bar for your peers and you continue to set the standard for fire departments around the world. Best wishes for continued success.