This past week, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) hosted a moving memorial service for the 176 FDNY firefighters whose names were newly added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Traditionally held in Emmitsburg, Md., this year, the NFFF hosted a special additional ceremony, which took place at the College of Staten Island, not far from where many of these honored heroes lived, served, and sacrificed. Though several hundred miles from the usual setting in Emmitsburg, the spirit of reverence, unity, and remembrance was no less powerful.
I had the distinct honor of serving as one of the flag presenters, those entrusted to hand a badge, flag, and red rose to the families as their loved ones’ names were called. It is a solemn, emotional duty that represents both the gratitude of a nation and the enduring bond of our fire service family. I have performed this role before in Emmitsburg, but this ceremony felt different. Many were people I had worked beside, shared laughter with, and learned from. All were FDNY family. This time, the faces in the audience were those of families I knew personally.
Remembering Tony and Pat from East Farmingdale
Two members honored that day came from my own volunteer fire department in East Farmingdale, Long Island – Anthony “Tony” Mastrelli and Patrick Lauro. Both were not only FDNY firefighters but also deeply devoted to their community as volunteer firefighters. Pat was my neighbor for many years and the unofficial “mayor” of our block. He looked out for everyone, always ready to lend a hand or share a story. Tony, on the other hand, could be counted on for a joke or a smile, and he was the kind of firefighter you wanted beside you at a working fire.
I recall one fire in East Farmingdale where Tony was searching the second floor above the main body of fire when the floor gave way beneath him. He fell straight through into the room below. Miraculously, he wasn’t hurt. He picked himself up, walked out the front door, and calmly reported to the command post to account for himself, his composure and resilience perfectly tell of the person he was every day.
Colleagues Remembered for Their Impact
Others honored that day included men I served with during my FDNY career – individuals whose professionalism, humor, and humanity made the department stronger. Paul Greco, for instance, was a brother firefighter with me in Squad 270. His dedication and steady demeanor made him a trusted presence at every fire.
Then there was Paul Schmalzeried, who led the FDNY Chauffeur School at the fire academy when I served as chief of training. He took on the immense responsibility of ensuring our chauffeurs – the drivers of the FDNY’s rigs – were expertly trained and prepared for anything. Paul was humble, methodical, and deeply committed to the safety and skill of his students. His quiet leadership left a lasting mark on the department.
Quiet Leaders and Lifelong Teachers
Another name on the list was Mike Shanley, a man who was essential to the daily operations of the fire academy and always had a quick joke or bit of wisdom to share. He knew something about everything, and the days were brighter when Mike was around.
And then there was Captain Steve Berube, one of the most respected and beloved members of the FDNY Incident Management Team (IMT), where Steve served as a deputy incident commander. I had the privilege of deploying alongside Steve during several major disasters, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. His calm, leadership and unparalleled compassion under pressure were remarkable. He embodied the best of what the IMT and the FDNY stand for.
A Legacy of Education and Awareness
Among the many other names, one that especially stood out to me was Battalion Chief Christopher Scalone. Despite facing a grim prognosis, it was important to Chris that others were aware of the warning signs of esophageal cancer, the disease that ultimately took his life. Even in his final days, Chris wanted to ensure that firefighters were educated and trained. On Dec. 20, 2023, the FDNY issued a tip from Training and Safety in his honor, highlighting this cancer type and urging members to pay attention to its early symptoms. I also had the privilege to work with Chris at many fires when we were both battalion chiefs in Queens.
There are countless stories like these, stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humor, and dedication to serving in the FDNY. Stories every member of FDNY could tell. These firefighters succumbed to illnesses connected to their service in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001. With these 176 additions, the total number of FDNY members lost to 9/11-related illnesses now exceeds 400 – on top of the 343 who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day.
An installation in the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York. Each of the 2,983 squares is its own shade of blue – one for each victim of the 2001 and 1993 attacks.
Gratitude and Remembrance
As I proudly wore my FDNY uniform and did my part presenting flags and roses to the families, I was filled with gratitude that I was a member of the FDNY, that I had the privilege to serve, to have known so many of these amazing individuals being honored, gratitude for the families who shared them with us, and for the tireless efforts of those who make sure their memories live on.
I am especially grateful to Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF, his dedicated team, and the many volunteers who worked so hard to make this Staten Island event possible. I am also grateful to the FDNY’s Ron Kanterman and his FDNY team for their efforts. They ensured every fallen firefighter was honored with dignity, reverence, and love.
While we may lose our friends and colleagues, we will never lose the memory of who they were or what they stood for.
“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” – Virgil
We will never, ever forget.
