Press Release Archives - 252-96 - Honor Firefighters

Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 5, 1996

Release #252-96

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

MAYOR GIULIANI HONORS 73 FIREFIGHTERS AT MEDAL OF VALOR DAY CEREMONIES

On the steps of City Hall, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today hosted the New York City Fire Department's 126th annual Medal Day ceremonies, awarding 73 firefighters, fire officers and fire marshals for acts of bravery and valor. Joining the Mayor was Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Esssen.

"In New York City, we have a very special respect for firefighters," said Mayor Giuliani. "The heart of a great fire department is the skill, dedication and bravery of its firefighters. So as we gather here every year to salute the "Bravest of the Bravest," we are not only honoring their courage we are reaffirming our city's commitment to the department itself."

"Seated before you are the 'Best of the Bravest,'" said Commissioner Von Essen. "They are the members of this year's class of Fire Department heroes and I would like to congratulate each and every one of you on a fine job. Behind each of our honorees, there is also an extensive network of family and friends who have provided them with love and support throughout their careers."

For the first time, three new medals, named after three special New Yorkers, are being introduced. The Thomas A. Wylie Memorial Medal, endowed by the members of Ladder 18 and named after their fallen comrade, will be presented to a probationary firefighter who distinguishes himself with the department. The Captain John J. Drennan Memorial Medal sponsored by the Viking Society in memory of a 25 year veteran of the Department who also died in the line of duty, will be awarded to members of the Department who perform acts above and beyond the call of duty. Finally, the William Frieberg Medal is being presented in memory of a friend of both the Fire Department and the children of our City. Bill was an elementary school principal for 33 years and also a member of the New York State Industrial Board of Appeals.

This year's Medal Day is dedicated to the members of the NYFD who performed conspicuous acts of bravery, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice. Firefighters Peter F. McLaughlin, Lt. John M. Clancy, James B. Williams and Louis Valentino died in the line of duty this past year.