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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2002
PR-151-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND FIRE COMMISSIONER NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA DEDICATE PLAQUE IN MEMORY OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER JOHN DOWNING

Firefighter Died in Line of Duty in Father's Day Fire


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today unveiled a plaque honoring the memory of fallen Firefighter John Downing of Ladder Company 163. Firefighter Downing died on June 17 (Father's Day), 2001, from injuries sustained while fighting a rapid five-alarm fire in a hardware store in Queens. Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Scoppetta were joined by members of the Downing family as well as friends, Firefighters, and Fire Officers for the plaque dedication at the quarters of Engine Company 325/Ladder 163.

"Firefighter John Downing served and protected the people of New York City with tremendous courage," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Last Father's Day, Firefighter Downing valiantly gave his life to protect others. Today, we honor John's dedication to the City and the FDNY, and we will forever remember him as one of New York's Bravest."

"Firefighter Downing was a decorated hero who served the people of this City with great distinction and who gave his life to protect us," Commissioner Scoppetta said. "By placing this plaque in his firehouse we honor his memory, his commitment to the people of this city and his dedication to the job that he loved."

Firefighter John Downing was an 11-year veteran of the FDNY and a resident of Port Jefferson Station, N.Y. During his career, he worked at Engine Companies 249 and 298, as well as Ladder Company 155. Firefighter Downing is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Joanne, 8, and son Michael, 4.

 

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Contact: Ed Skyler / Jerry Russo
(212) 788-2958
Francis X. Gribbon (FDNY)
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