MAYOR GIULIANI AND FIRE COMMISSIONER VON ESSEN ATTEND THE UFA WIDOWS' AND CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen today celebrated the holiday season with the families of deceased firefighters at the annual Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) Widow's and Children's Christmas Party held at Harry's Restaurant in lower Manhattan.
"The holiday season is a special time of year, when we celebrate the Christmas Spirit -- a spirit of giving and love," Mayor Giuliani said. "For some, however, the holidays are a reminder of loved ones who are no longer with us. Thanks to the efforts of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, Christmas will be a little bit brighter for the widows and children of New York's Bravest.
"Firefighters from across the City are here today on their own time because the Fire Department is more than an organization, it is truly an extended family. And together as a family we will always remember the tremendous sacrifice made by the firefighters honored today. They may not be here today but their spirit lives on. I commend the UFA for bringing holiday cheer to these courageous families," the Mayor concluded.
Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen said, "One of the great characteristics of the New York City Fire Department is the sense of family that is deeply rooted in this tradition-bound organization. This strong, family-bound tradition has been born of the triumphs and tragedies that New York's Bravest have endured during the Department's 133-year history. Today we celebrate the holiday season with the wives and children of firefighters who have died in the line-of-duty, while remembering their great sacrifice. I want to thank the Uniformed Firefighters Association for hosting this holiday celebration."
Joining Mayor Giuliani and Commissioner Von Essen at today's event were retired New York Jets running back Freeman McNeil, basketball stars Theresa Weatherspoon and Kim Hampton of the New York Liberty and soccer star Ret Hartley of the NY/NJ Metrostars. The highlight of today's party was the 'rescue' of Santa Claus from the Woolworth Building.
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