Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

MAYOR GIULIANI, FIRE COMMISSIONER THOMAS VON ESSEN AND
PARKS COMMISSIONER HENRY STERN DEDICATE
CHRISTOPHER M. BOPP TRIANGLE

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen and Parks Department Commissioner Henry Stern today to dedicate a triangle in honor of fallen Firefighter Christopher M. Bopp. The triangle, located at the intersection of Avenue S and East 33rd Street in Marine Park, Brooklyn was a place where Christopher Bopp played as a little boy. Firefighter Bopp gave his life in the line of duty on December 18, 1998 along with Lt. Joseph P. Cavalieri and Firefighter James Bohan while battling a three-alarm blaze at 17 Vandalia Avenue, Brooklyn.

"This is a fitting tribute to honor one of our City's Bravest, and one of Queens' most beloved sons," Mayor Giuliani said. "Christopher possessed all of those qualities that makes a person a hero -- courage, honor, bravery and a commitment to helping others. The dedication of the triangle ensures that his memory -- and the ideals he stood for -- will not soon be forgotten."

Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen said, "Although his time with us was short, Christopher Bopp served the people of the City of New York with great distinction. He gave his life -- doing a job that he loved -- protecting the lives and property of all New Yorkers. I am confident that the members of this community as well as all New Yorkers will agree that this special tract of land will serve as a fitting memorial to him and to the selflessness he demonstrated to this great city."

Parks Commissioner Henry Stern said, "This new green space in Brooklyn is dedicated to a brave firefighter who gave his life for our City. We are proud to honor him here."

During the ceremony the Bopp family unveiled two commemorative signs which will hang at the triangle. One of the signs reads "Christopher M. Bopp Triangle," the second will provide a short biography of Bopp's life, along with the story of the fire that tragically claimed his life. Firefighter Bopp's daughter, Carli and her Mother, Cori watered a red bud tree that was planted in Christopher's memory.

Firefighter Bopp was a four-year veteran of New York City Fire Department and a former New York City Police Officer. His wife Cori gave birth to their daughter, Carli Michelle Bopp on July 26, 1999, seven months after the tragic death of her father.