Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today unveiled a plaque honoring the memory of fallen probationary Firefighter Michael Gorumba of Engine Company 163. He died from a heart attack sustained while battling a three-alarm fire at an auto-body shop on Staten Island on August 28, 2001. Firefighter Gorumba, who served the FDNY for six months prior to his tragic death, was 27 years old and the first Firefighter to die in the line of duty on Staten Island in 20 years. The Mayor and the Commissioner were joined by members of the Gorumba family as well as friends, Firefighters, and Fire Officers for the plaque dedication at the quarters of Engine 163 and Ladder 83.

"Last August, Firefighter Gorumba sacrificed his life to protect the lives of others, and we are forever indebted to him for his selflessness and service," Mayor Bloomberg said. "While we cannot bring Firefighter Gorumba back to his family, friends, and Engine Company 163, we can forever honor his memory by providing his brothers and sisters at the FDNY with the best resources and by striving to ensure that firefighters safely return to their families day in and day out."

"Although he was only with the Department a short time Firefighter Gorumba quickly became known as an aggressive and studious Firefighter with a big heart and a tremendous desire to learn and succeed in his chosen career," 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 Gorumba joined the FDNY in February 2001 after serving in the U.S. Navy and attending both Kingsborough and Sullivan County Community Colleges. He is survived by his wife Lori Campbell, three-year-old son Andrew, and six-month-old baby Michael. Firefighter Gorumba was the 778th New York City Firefighter to die in the FDNY's 140-year history.