Cuomo honors 21 fallen NY firefighters
Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced that 21 names will be added to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall at the Empire State Plaza to honor the memory and heroism of these first responders who gave their lives in the line of duty.
State officials annually recognize the state’s fallen firefighters with a ceremony at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Due to the pandemic, a tribute video for the honorees and their families has been created.
The families of all 2020 honorees will be invited to attend the 24th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial in 2021 so their loved ones can be recognized at a traditional in-person ceremony.
“Each of these twenty- one brave New Yorkers answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the communities and residents they serve. It is our duty to honor their bravery and legacy in perpetuity,” Cuomo said.
“With their names inscribed on this wall, we vow to never forget their heroic actions and pledge to always remember their legacy,” Cuomo noted.
Additionally, Cuomo directed numerous state properties and landmarks be illuminated in red tonight to honor New York’s fallen firefighters, joining a national “Light the Night” tribute happening across the country. Those locations include:
• One World Trade Center;
• The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge;
• Kosciuszko Bridge;
• SUNY Administration Building;
• State Education Building;
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building;
• State Fairgrounds Main Gate & Expo Center;
• Niagara Falls;
• Mid-Hudson Bridge;
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct; and
• Albany International Airport Gateway
“In New York, we are proud to honor the legacy of the men and women who faced unthinkable danger with incredible courage,” Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
“This year, 21 names are being added to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, and each of their stories serves as a testament to the heroism that is part of every day life for those who answer the call and put on their uniform. We honor their bravery, and the bravery and sacrifice of their families and loved ones,” Hochul explained.
With the addition of the names of the 21 fallen firefighters, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial now honors 2,596 individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial, dedicated in 1998, honors the memory and valor of New York’s fallen firefighters each October. The memorial also pays tribute to the more than 100,000 New York State active firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect New Yorkers.
On Sunday, Cuomo also issued two proclamations to honor the state’s career and volunteer firefighters, marking the week of Oct. 4-10 as Fire Prevention Week and Oct. 8 as Firefighter Appreciation Day.
Every day, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control 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.
In 2019, fire departments statewide responded to approximately 1,550,000 incidents, or 129,167 incidents per month, 4,247 incidents per day and three incidents every minute.
“During these most challenging times, members of the fire service across the state of New York unite to pay tribute our colleagues who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We also salute the families of the fallen and promise to ensure that their loved ones will be honored always,” New York State Association of Fire Chiefs President Chief Lee Shurtleff added.