by KAITLYN DMYTERKO
Gov. David A. Paterson, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings, Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez and other legislators, families and firefighters were present to honor 10 fallen firefighters at the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony today.
Sen. Clinton said, "Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day, and we owe them a deep dept of gratitude and thanks for their dedication and commitment."
The addition of the 10 names to the Memorial Wall brings the total to 2,336 since its creation on October 6, 1998. The memorial service takes place every year during Fire Prevention Week, which is October 5 - 11 this year.
The 10 firefighters recognized this year were:
- Lt. John H Martinson, New York City Fire Department.
- Firefighter Robert Beddia, New York City Fire Department.
- Lt. Joseph P. Graffagnino, New York City Fire Department.
- Deputy Chief Joseph E. Piazzi, Briarcliff Manor Fire Department.
- Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak, New York City Fire Department.
- Firefighter Ronald W. Thomas, Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department.
- Firefighter Walter F. Bell, Canton Fire Department, who died in 1955.
- Firefighter James R. Cameron, Canton Fire Department, who died in 1948.
- Firefighter Felix A. D'Avignon, Mechanicville Fire Department, who died in 1945.
- Firefighter Joseph E. Henehan, Binghamton Fire Department, who died in 1938.
During the Roll of Honor, Gov. Paterson and New York State Fire Administrator, Floyd A. Madison, the master of ceremonies, presented the families and friends of the fallen with flags representing their loved ones lost.
"The New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial is meant to remember, honor and memorialize those who have made the supreme sacrifice to protect the citizens of this state," said Madison.
The Albany Fire Department performed the sounding of the bell and a rendition of the Firefighters Creed was performed by the band Seisiun that was followed by a fly-over by the New York State Police Aviation Unit.
"Today we honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to help keep our communities safe. This memorial serves as a permanent reminder of those heroes who continually risk their lives to safeguard their communities across New York state," said Paterson.
The memorial was introduced in 1997 by Gov. George E. Pataki, retired FDNY Lt. James McGowan and Gunner Neilson, president of the Firemen's Association of the state of New York.
"These are our heroes, they are the men and women who run toward danger without a second thought , and who have sacrificed their safety and well being to keep us safe…Our thoughts and prayers are with them today and every day," said Clinton.
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