By NY1 News
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 03:49 PM EDT
At a somber ceremony Wednesday Mayor Bill de Blasio and the FDNY honored the memories of five firefighters who lost their lives this year — including one in the line of duty. Our Rocco Vertuccio has that story.
Wednesday was a somber day of remembrance for the FDNY — a day to remember active members of the department who died this past year.
“We will always remember and never forget our brothers and sisters who we remember today,” said FDNY Chaplain Father Chris Kennan.
Thousands of FDNY members from across the city attended the department’s annual Memorial Service Wednesday. Mayor de Blasio spoke about the sacrifices firefighters and their families make serving the city.
“And it makes us feel safe and it makes us feel secure and it gives us faith,” the mayor said.
They honored five members the FDNY lost this year with a wreath laying ceremony at the Firemen’s Monument on the Upper West Side. Four died from accidents, health problems and other reasons.
One, Deputy Chief Michael Fahy died in the line of duty just a few weeks ago. He was a 17-year veteran of the department.
Fahy was killed last month when he was hit by flying debris at a house explosion in the Bronx. Investigators say the house was used to grow marijuana.
“The FDNY family suffered greatly. A battalion lost an important and well-respected leader,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “And his entire firehouse lost a mentor and a friend.”
Fahy’s widow and three children were presented with the FDNY flag and medals for valor and sacrifice.
“We not only will never forget them we need to actively try to be in everything we do as good as them,” de Blasio said.
The ceremony ended with 7,000 FDNY members marching past the families. One more salute from their FDNY family.
Michael Fahy is the one-thousand-one-hundred-forty-fifth FDNY member to die in the line of duty in the department’s 151-year history. The FDNY says these services are more than just ceremonies. They are a pledge and a promise the department will always be there for these families. Not just today, but forever.
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