| "Been there, done that" probably best describes
the illustrious, 42-year FDNY career of First Deputy Fire Commissioner
William M. Feehan, whose life and career were cut short when
he was killed on September 11, 2001, as a result of the explosion
and collapse of the twin World Trade Center Towers in Manhattan.
Chief Feehan held every title within the Department, beginning
as a Proby Firefighter when he was appointed on October 10,
1959. He was a Firefighter through 1963, serving in Division
3, Ladder 3 and the Bureau of Fire Prevention. And then the
promotions came, from Lieutenant in 1964 to Chief of Department
in 1991. Chief Feehan has served as Deputy Fire Commissioner
since 1992. He briefly served as Acting Fire Commissioner
in 1993-1994.
A life-long Queens resident, Chief Feehan graduated from
St. John's University in 1952. Before his appointment to the
FDNY, he served in the United States Army and was decorated
with the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, UN Service
Medal and National Defense Service Medal during the Korean
War.
Chief Feehan's wife, Elizabeth, pre-deceased him five years
ago. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Feehan and
Tara Davan, and sons, FF John Feehan, who is assigned to Squad
Company 1, and William. Additionally, he is survived by six
grandchildren--Siobhan, Kelsey, Connor, William, Virginia
and Kelly.
The death of First Deputy Commissioner William M. Feehan--and
with it, his experience and expertise - mark the end of an
era in the New York City Fire Department.
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