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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 451-05
December 2, 2005

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND FIRE COMMISSIONER SCOPPETTA DEDICATE MEMORIAL PLAQUE IN HONOR OF FIREFIGHTER CHRISTIAN ENGELDRUM

Firefighter Engeldrum Killed in Iraq While Serving in Armed Forces

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today joined hundreds of firefighters, family members, and friends of New York City Firefighter Christian Engeldrum to honor his memory at a plaque dedication ceremony at Ladder 61 in the Bronx. On November 29, 2004, Firefighter Engeldrum was killed outside of Baghdad, Iraq while serving as a Sergeant in the New York Army National Guard’s Fighting 69th.  Firefighter Engeldrum sustained fatal injuries when the vehicle he was riding in was ambushed.  He was a five and a half year veteran of the Fire Department and was 39 years old.

“Christian Engeldrum spent his life protecting not only the people of this City, but also protecting our Nation’s freedoms,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “As a Firefighter, Police Officer and a decorated member of the armed forces, he continually put himself in harms way for his fellow New Yorkers and his fellow Americans.  When future generations pass by this plaque they will be inspired and reminded of his bravery and the extraordinary life he lived.”

“Today is a day to reflect and pay tribute to the life of Firefighter Christian Engeldrum, he was a dedicated member of the New York City Fire Department, and this memorial plaque will forever serve as a reminder of the sacrifices he made for his family, his job, and his country,” said Commissioner Scoppetta.

Christian Engeldrum was a resident of the Bronx and is survived by his parents, Lenora and Philip Engeldrum, his wife Sharon, and his two sons Sean and Royce.  Engledrum began his career as a New York City Police Officer assigned to the 47th Precinct. After successfully completing the New York City Fire Academy in 1999, he was assigned to Engine Company 89 in the Bronx. Firefighter Engeldrum also served in Engine Company 58 in Manhattan and was most recently assigned to Ladder Company 61 in the Bronx. During his career as a firefighter, he was awarded one FDNY unit citation on July 15, 2000 as a result of his company’s successful rescue of two civilians at a fire.

As an active member of the United States Army from 1986-1991, Christian served in Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and received numerous awards for his service to his country, including Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service, Army Service Ribbon, and National Defense Service Medal.

On December 7, 2004, at the request of Mayor Bloomberg, the New York State Assembly and Senate passed legislation classifying the death of Firefighter Christian Philip Engeldrum as occurring in the line of duty.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler/Robert Lawson   (212) 788-2958



GENERAL CONTACT:

Francis X. Gribbon   (Fire Department)
(718) 999-2056


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