FDNY Adds 18 Names to Memorial Wall for Deaths Related to World Trade Center Illnesses
September 6, 2018
The FDNY added the names of 18 members who died of illnesses related to their work in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall on Thursday, September 6th, at FDNY Headquarters. With the addition of these 18 names, the number of Department members on the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall who have succumbed to WTC-related illnesses now stands at 177 individuals.
“This is a day to remember and honor these incredible people who took part in an unprecedented rescue and recovery effort for our Department,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Each of the 18 members served bravely, they showed the utmost courage in the face of an evil attack on our city, and true compassion in the face unimaginable devastation. As we pay tribute to these 18 members, their memory lives on.”
Steve Phelan, brother of FDNY Firefighter Thomas J. Phelan of Marine 9 reflected on his brother’s commitment to service, including his service to the FDNY. “His life was dedicated to service from an early age, at age 18 he became the youngest Captain to work for the Circle Line ferry,” said Mr. Phelan. “He loved that job, but it wasn’t enough for him, he wanted to serve more people, and joining the FDNY gave him that opportunity. After 11 years with the FDNY, he got the chance to be a pilot and steer the FDNY Marine boats, and that was the best of both worlds for him. He loved the Fire Department, and he loved his family, he was truly amazing."
FDNY EMT Kristofer Nelson of Station 35 is the son of FDNY Lieutenant Walter Nelson, Jr, whose name was added to the memorial wall. “He was very loving, compassionate, professional, and fair, he looked out for his fellow members in this Department,” said EMT Nelson. “He loved this job and loved serving the people of New York City, he was always pushing people to better themselves, that’s why everyone liked him.”
Those to be added to the memorial wall are:
Firefighter Michael L. Duffy, Ladder Company 174
Deputy Chief Joeddy Friszell, Division 3
Firefighter George F. Froehlich, Ladder Company 87
Firefighter Robert J. Lembo, Ladder Company 144
Lieutenant Edward J. McDonagh, Engine Company 37
Battalion Chief Joseph D. McKeon, Battalion 46
Lieutenant Edward T. Meehan, Ladder Company 22
Lieutenant Walter J. Nelson, Jr. Station 31
Firefighter Michael R. O’Hanlon, Engine Company 68
Marine Pilot Thomas J. Phelan, Marine 9
Firefighter Raymond R. Phillips, Jr., Rescue Company 3
Assistant Chief Ronald R. Spadafora, Bureau of Fire Prevention
Lieutenant Joseph R. Stach, Jr., Ladder Company 6
Firefighter Ronald P. Svec, Ladder Company 82
Firefighter Robert M. Tilearcio, Engine Company 266
Firefighter Paul R. Tokarski, Ladder Company 164
Firefighter Keith R. Young, Ladder Company 158
The inscription on the Memorial Wall, which was unveiled in September of 2011, reads: “DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO BRAVELY SERVED THIS DEPARTMENT PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK IN THE RESCUE AND RECOVERY EFFORT AT MANHATTAN BOX 5-5-8087 WORLD TRADE CENTER”
For photos of the memorial ceremony, click here.