Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 9, 1996

Release #502-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972


MAYOR GIULIANI AND FIRE COMMISSIONER VON ESSEN HONOR
THE MEMORY OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen today honored the memory of New York City firefighters who died during the past year. This year's ceremony held at the Firemen's Monument on West 100th Street and Riverside Drive, paid special tribute to Firefighter Peter F. McLaughlin, Lieutenant John M. Clancy, Firefighter James B. Williams and Firefighter Louis Valentino, members of the Department who died in the line of duty.

"Dedicated in 1913, the Firemen's Memorial has become one of City's most powerful symbols of public service, sacrifice and dedication," Mayor Giuliani said. "Every year we gather here to salute our fallen comrades, and to honor the 764 firefighters who have died in selfless and heroic service to the City and the citizens of New York. Together, these servants of public safety have created a culture of courage throughout the Fire Department of New York, where the nickname 'the Bravest,' is more than just a slogan. It is a way of life, a challenge and a promise that we see fulfilled every day of the year by the men and women who together make up the greatest Fire Department the world has ever known."

"On this day, we honor those members of the Department who have made the supreme sacrifice," Commissioner Von Essen said. "Today we pay special tribute to the memory of four firefighters who lost their lives as they fought to protect the lives and property of their fellow New Yorkers. These four heroes exemplified the Department's highest traditions of bravery and dedication to duty."

During the memorial service, the Mayor and Fire Commissioner Von Essen, joined by Kevin Gallagher, President of the United Firefighters Association and Richard Brower, President of the United Firefighters Officers Association, placed wreaths at the monument before pausing for a moment of silence.

The families of Firefighter McLaughlin, Lieutenant Clancy, Firefighter Williams and Firefighter Valentino were each presented with a framed Fire Department flag, the Department Medal for Valor and the Medals of Supreme Sacrifice.


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