On September 7th, the FDNY added the names of 43 members to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall. These noble members succumbed to illnesses related to rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center. The inscription on the Wall, which hangs in the lobby at FDNY Headquarters reads, “Dedicated to the memory of those who bravely served this Department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery effort at Manhattan BOX 5-5-8087 World Trade Center.”

Families of the fallen heroes attended the event as Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh renewed a pledge to never forget their loved ones, and their sacrifices. “In the Fire Department, we live steeped in tradition. This event reminds us of the promise we made to all of you, of the never-ending dedication we have made to the memory of your loved ones. Because even though we know these events are symbols of our support, at their core, they are based in love and respect.”

“We host this ceremony each year, with sorrow. But we do it because it shows the families that even though their loved ones are gone, they are never forgotten,” said Chief of Department John Hodgens. “They are always in our thoughts, and they are always a part of the FDNY family.”