COUNCIL MEMBER JIMMY VAN BRAMER AND COMMUNITY REMEMBER FALLEN HEROES OF RESCUE 4

On Friday, September 9th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer hosted the co-naming of 65th Street and Queens Boulevard as “The Boulevard of Bravery” in recognition of the Rescue 4 heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty, including those who died on September 11, 2001. The Council Member was joined by the families of first responders, current members of Rescue 4, the Uniformed Firefighters Association, Uniformed Firefighter Officers Association, local elected officials and members of the community to participate in remembering the fallen heroes of Rescue 4.

“The members of Rescue 4 risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of others. There were a significant number of firefighters who died saving others in 2001- both in a 4 alarm fire in Astoria on Father’s Day and later in the attacks on the World Trade Center. It is extremely important that we recognize their service and commitment to the safety of New Yorkers. Renaming this street ‘Boulevard of Bravery’ is one way to make sure we always remember,” said Council Member Van Bramer. 

“On behalf of all officers and members past and present, and families of our fallen brothers, we are proud to have the street renamed Boulevard of Bravery in their honor,” said Joseph Gandiello, Captain of Rescue 4.

"The Uniformed Fire Officers Association appreciates the efforts of Council Member Van Bramer and his predecessor Walter McCaffrey for the renaming of Queens Boulevard: ‘The Boulevard of Bravery.’ We are grateful for the heroic efforts of those brave men in Rescue 4 who sacrificed their lives to save others. It is duly recognized and never forgotten," said Alex Hagan, President of Uniformed Fire Officers Association. 

 “It is fitting that the heroic members of Rescue 4 who died in the line of duty protecting this city are being recognized with this street renaming. Millions of New Yorkers will forever be reminded of the great sacrifices made by the firefighters the ‘Boulevard of Bravery’ is named for,” said Steve Cassidy, President of Uniformed Firefighters Association.

Firefighters who were memorialized in the ceremony included: Lt. Thomas Dore, Capt. Raymond Koehler, Lt. Thomas Williams, FF Peter McLaughlin, FF Harry Ford, FF Brian Fahey, Capt. Brian Hickey, Lt. Kevin Dowdell, FF Terrence Farrell, FF William Mahoney, FF Peter Nelson, FF Durrell Pearsall, FF Peter Brennan, FF Allan Tarasiewcz, and FF Michael Cawley. The ceremony included bag pipes, local school children and the street sign unveiling.