FDNY union celebrates 100th anniversary

The Uniformed Firefighters Association commemorated its 100th anniversary with a special recap of all the battles they’ve fought over the last century — from blistering infernos that consumed homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, to the health benefits and pension plans they have won for its members.

The union marked its centennial in April by laying a wreath to honor the FDNY personnel who died in the line of duty since the group was founded by Firefighter Albert Guinness in 1917.

On Tuesday, at a gala at the Chelsea Piers, attendees enjoyed two videos chronicling the union’s rise with archived pictures and footage.

Over the last 100 years, nearly 100,000 firefighters have been members of the union. During the same period more than 1,100 firefighters and fire officers have died while serving the city.

“Through the years we’ve answered the call for citizens when they were in distress and — tragically — through the years many of our members have given their lives in these efforts,” UFA President Gerard Fitzgerald said during the gala.

“But this is what we do. This is our calling and we take great pride in it.”

“What we’ve been able to accomplish as a union, since 9/11 and since our inception 100 years ago, has been nothing short of monumental,” he said.

“The Zadroga Act, paid holidays, pension plans, compulsory insurance … these are just a few of the things we’ve been able to achieve. (It’s) what makes this union so great.”