STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Firefighters in the FDNY who died of post-9/11 illnesses were officially honored on a nationwide level during a special tribute ceremony Saturday on Staten Island.
Hundreds of family and members of the FDNY gathered to honor 176 FDNY firefighters who died of post-9/11 illnesses who were officially added to the National Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The solemn memorial tribute was hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, in partnership with the FDNY, at the College of Staten Island, Willowbrook.
Until now, these firefighters who died of post-9/11 illnesses were not formally recognized at the memorial in Maryland. The special ceremony Saturday ensures their names are etched alongside their fellow fallen heroes. It also means the families of these firefighters are now eligible for support services provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
“You’re here to remember the men and women of the FDNY whose lives were taken not on one single day, but in the slow aftermath of Sept. 11 — claimed by the invisible, long-term wounds inflicted during the rescue recovery effort at the World Trade Center,” said Salvatore Cassano, former FDNY fire commissioner and retired chief of department, in his keynote speech.
Each family was gifted with an American flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol and at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson)(Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson)
Cassano said the world watched in horror as the country was attacked on 9/11, but the world also witnessed “unmatched bravery of the FDNY.” As others ran from danger, they ran toward it, and continued that work in the days, weeks and months that followed.
“They continued their vision — not for glory, but for duty,” said Cassano. “They searched through rubble. They worked countless hours. They carried hope on their shoulders, but the air was toxic and though rescue and recovery workers gave everything in service, many of them would pay later the ultimate price, fighting a different kind of battle long after the smoke had cleared.”
The foundation elected to honor New York City by memorializing its own on city soil, which is why the ceremony was held on Staten Island. The plaques bearing the heroes’ names will be added to the Maryland memorial’s Wall of Honor next week.
“We gather here in Staten Island, in the city of New York, over 200 miles from the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. We are grateful to the foundation for their efforts to bring the spirit, honor and respect of the memorial to us here today. From the beginning, they recognized the importance of bringing this service to New York,” said Mark Guerra, FDNY first deputy commissioner. “Organizing an event like this is no small feat, and they have done so with care and reverence. Always know that both the FDNY and the foundation are committed to you, the loved ones of our fallen firefighters. We’re here when you need us, whenever that moment comes. Thank you for being here today and for all the love and support you gave my fellow firefighters, my brothers when they needed it the most.”
Brothers Jimmy, Tommy, Chris and Mark Mandala — all originally from Staten Island — attended the service on Saturday for their father, Vincent Mandala.
Mandala, who served in FDNY Division 11, died in May 2022 after he got sick three years earlier from a post-9/11 related illness.
“It’s nice that they’re having it here,” Jimmy Mandala said about the ceremony. “We have families and kids of our own, so not having to travel made it a lot easier for us to get here. FDNY does a great job with this. Everything top-notch. It’s really nice and nice to see guys who worked with him, hear stories about him. It’s nice that they still recognize him all these years later.”
FDNY firefighters who died of post-9/11 illnesses were honored during a solemn memorial tribute at the College of Staten Island, Willowbrook, held by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and FDNY. The service officially adds the names of 176 FDNY firefighters to the National Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson)(Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson)
Going forward, those lost to 9/11-related illnesses will continue being added to the memorial every May.
The event was attended by families of victims and FDNY members representing the companies of each victim. Those members presented each family with an American flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol and at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial.
“The members we honor today are heroes,” said FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker. “Each being honored represents a life of service, families lost, and our departments enduring grief. I am pleased to see so many families here today. Your presence reminds us how important it is that we always remember your loved ones. You are their living legacies, reminding us of their hard work, their dedication and their love for this city and our department. So too does their legacy live on in every firehouse in this city, every time the tones go off and every time a life is saved. Thank you for sharing them with us and for supporting their mission to protect and serve.”
Luminary bags were decorated by eighth-grade students at Egbert Intermediate School (I.S. 2), Midland Beach, under the guidance of art teacher Suzanne Berkovitz.
The FDNY Ceremonial Unit and Honor Guard, and Pipes and Drums participated in Saturday’s event.
More than a dozen New York City-area landmarks, including One World Trade, Macy’s and Moynihan Train Hall, will be illuminated red on Saturday evening in honor of the event.
On Sunday, the foundation will wrap up the weekend with its annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Run/Walk at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island.
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