Governor Kathy Hochul today honored the memory and heroism of 11 fallen firefighters during the 25th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The names of 10 men and one woman have been added to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial, which recognizes 2,631 individuals from across the state who died in service to their communities.
“Today we honor 11 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “We remember these New Yorkers as selfless individuals with unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. We will never forget these heroes, and we stand with their grieving loved ones today and every day. New York is a better place because of their service.”
“We are eternally indebted to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety. There is no greater calling in life than service to your community – service to others,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “The 11 fallen firefighters we honor today join 2,620 fallen firefighters already inscribed on the Memorial Wall. We grieve their loss, but also find inspiration in the love that drove them to service in the first place.”
Lieutenant Governor Delgado joined other state officials at the ceremony to recognize the following individuals, whose names have been added to the Memorial at the Empire State Plaza:
Joseph M. Boyle, New York City Fire Department
John “Jack” A. Bradley, West Islip Fire Department
Doris L. Groene, Vigilant Engine & Hook & Ladder Co., Inc.
Irving A. Isenberg, Getzville Fire Company, Inc.
Joseph W. Maiello, New York City Fire Department
Vincent L. Malveaux, New York City Fire Department
Thomas G. Manley, New York City Fire Department
Stanley J. May, The Roslyn Highlands Hook & Ladder, Engine & Hose Co.
Frank Portelle, New York City Fire Department
John P. Poulos, New York City Fire Department
Guy J. Romano, Westbury Fire Department
Dedicated in 1998, the Memorial honors the memory and valor of New York’s fallen firefighters and pays tribute to the more than 100,000 New York State active firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect New Yorkers. In 2021, firefighters statewide responded to more than 1.5 million incidents and nationally, fire departments answered 36 million calls for service and responded to more than 1.3 million fires.
Governor Hochul also issued two proclamations to honor the state’s career and volunteer firefighters, marking today as Firefighter Appreciation Day, and the week of October 9 as Fire Prevention Week. Every day, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control within the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services works in partnership with local fire departments, fire service organizations, school districts, civic groups and the National Fire Prevention Association to provide information and programs about the importance of fire safety awareness.
