FDNY Holds Annual Chanukah Celebration

December 20, 2017

On the eighth night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 19th, 2017, Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro was joined by the Ner Tamid Society for the FDNY’s second annual menorah lighting ceremony.

“Together, with this annual ceremony, we are all creating something special and lasting; a tradition that will continue for many, many years to come,” said Commissioner Nigro.

At the event, FDNY members and community leaders joined together to celebrate the holiday, and honor Rabbi Michael Melnicke for his support of the Department. Rabbi Melnicke serves as a chaplain for many first responders and law enforcement members, and was a participant in the Department’s Passover Seder in April, 2016.

The ceremony was led by FDNY Chaplain Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, with musical performances provided by the Y-Studs A Cappella group. The FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit presented fire safety materials to all in attendance. The ceremony came one day after a third-alarm fire caused by an unattended lit menorah took the lives of four members of one family in Brooklyn, and left three additional members in critical condition. Chief of Department James Leonard spoke about the tragic fire.

“It was one of the most difficult days you can ever face as a member of this Department. Seeing so many lives lost, especially young lives, is devastating,” said Chief Leonard. “It’s why we have our fire safety unit here tonight, and why our members welcome New Yorkers into their firehouses to learn fire safety, so that they and their families can be safe.”

One week earlier, the Department also celebrated the first night of Chanukah with the lighting of an electric menorah at the quarters of Engine Company 282 and Ladder Company 148 in Brooklyn. That event was attended by hundreds of children and families, and once again the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit was on hand to deliver safety messages.

For photos of the menorah dedication: click here.