New York City Fire Department
FDNY Medal Day 2006

MEDAL AND AWARD DONORS

Dr. Harry M. Archer Medal
This medal was endowed in 1917 by Herman L. Reis, FDNY Medical Officer. The deed of the gift states the medal shall be awarded every three years to a holder of a James Gordon Bennett Medal during the preceding three years. Cash award of $500 donated by The Kenneth H. Straus Fund of the Fire Foundation of New York. This organization was established in 1968 by a group of prominent New York businessmen, in the interest of rewarding our FDNY members who perform acts above and beyond the call of duty.

James Gordon Bennett Medal
In addition to the Bennett Medal, first awarded in 1869, the Commissioner Robert O. Lowery Award of $600 is provided by the late Honorary Deputy Chief Bertram Brummer and his wife, Susie. The recipient also is awarded $1000, donated by The Kenneth H. Straus Fund of the Fire Foundation of New York. The organization was established in 1968 by a group of prominent New York City businessmen, friends of the FDNY, in the interest of rewarding Fire Department members who perform acts above and beyond the call of duty.

Brooklyn Citizens Medal/FF Louis Valentino Award
In 1896, a committee of Brooklynites endowed this medal “to be given to the most deserving Fireman in the Brooklyn Fire Department, as he shall be selected by the Fire Department of the City of New York.” An award of $500 is donated by The Kenneth H. Straus Fund of the Fire Foundation of New York. This organization was established in 1968 by a group of prominent New York City businessmen, friends of the FDNY, in the interest of rewarding Fire Department members who perform acts above and beyond the call of duty. The recipient also is awarded the Firefighter Louis Valentino Award, a medal endowed in 1998 by Diane Valentino and the Valentino family. The recipient also will receive a gift of $300.

Hugh Bonner Medal
Endowed by the Reverend James Johnson, Fire Chaplain assigned to Grace Church, and named in honor of Chief Hugh Bonner, “a stalwart Chief of Department who preferred to rule by example.” The medal first was awarded in 1897. In addition, an award of $250 is made by the Joseph Reich Memorial Fund, a trust fund recognizing “outstanding heroic service rendered by members of the Department.” This organization was established in 1968 by a group of prominent New York City businessmen, friends of the FDNY, in the interest of rewarding Fire Department members who perform acts above and beyond the call of duty.

Emily Trevor/Mary B. Warren Medal
These sisters, in their deed of gift, wrote “...for the purpose of encouraging the members of the force in the exercise...of heroic endeavor under circumstances of special danger.” Awarded for the first time in 1899. In addition, an award of $250 is made by the Joseph Reich Memorial Fund, recognizing “outstanding heroic service, rendered by members of the Department.” This organization was established in 1968 by a group of prominent businessmen, friends of the FDNY, in the interest of rewarding Fire Department members who perform acts above and beyond the call of duty.

Thomas E. Crimmins Medal
Mrs. May M. Burke provided in her will for the endowment of this medal in memory of her father, a contractor, builder, loyal New Yorker and the son of a volunteer firefighter. First awarded in 1912. Also awarded $500, donated by The Kenneth H. Straus Fund of the Fire Foundation of New York. This organization was established in 1968 by a group of prominent New York City businessmen, friends of the FDNY, in the interest of rewarding Fire Department members who perform acts above and beyond the call of duty. Also awarded $200 by Honorary Deputy Commissioner Dorothy Marks, in memory of the late Jeffrey S. Childs, great-great-grandson of Thomas E. Crimmins.

Thomas A. Kenny Memorial Medal
Honorary Deputy Chief William F. Kenny endowed this medal in memory of his father, a Battalion Chief who served in the Department, faithfully and conspicuously, from 1876 until 1903. It is given as a “perpetual token of zeal and enduring interest.” First awarded in 1918. Recipient also is awarded $500 by the Honorary Fire Officers Association, a line organization of the FDNY.

Walter Scott Medal
Colonel Walter Scott, a successful New York merchant, was intensely interested in the city’s protective forces. In 1920, he endowed a medal for valor bearing his name, to be awarded annually to a member of the FDNY. Recipient also is awarded $500, donated by The Kenneth H. Straus Fund of the Fire Foundation of New York. This organization was established in 1968 by a group of prominent New York City businessmen, friends of the FDNY, in the interest of rewarding Fire Department members who perform acts above and beyond the call of duty.

John H. Prentice Medal
This medal is the gift of Mrs. Marion Prentice Brookman in memory of her father. The medal is for “an act of intelligent bravery.” First awarded in 1921. Recipient also is awarded $1000.

Henry D. Brookman Medal
Mrs. Marion Prentice Brookman, in making this award possible, wrote, “...to help the authorities in installing into the Department the fact that the service rendered by the firefighters is of a character held in high esteem by the people and to perpetuate the old fealty and admiration held by the late Henry D. Brookman for the FDNY.” First awarded in 1921. Recipient also is awarded $1000.

M.J. Delehanty Medal
The founder and dean of civil service schools bearing his name endowed this medal in 1937, “to be awarded annually to a member of the Department whose distinguished service in the line of duty receives recognition by the Board of Merit of the Fire Department.” Recipient also is awarded a $200 savings bond by Honorary Assistant Chief Harvey Ball. An additional $200 savings bond is donated by Honorary Battalion Chief James Palozzolo.

William F. Conran Medal
Honorary Chief Conran endowed this medal in 1937. His profession of fire protection engineer enabled him to improve the efficiency of firefighting appliances. Recipient also is awarded a $500 savings bond, donated by Paul and Dennis Sanner, in memory of Frank Muller, FDNY.

Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal
The Honorable Fiorello H. LaGuardia, while Mayor, frequently “turned out” at large fires. He had a keen interest in the problems of fire prevention and extinguishment. First awarded in 1937. Recipient also is awarded $400 cash, donated by the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA).

Chief John J. McElligott Medal/Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award
Named in honor of the late Chief and Fire Commissioner, Chief McElligott. He joined the Department in 1905 and retired in 1941 after a long and fruitful career. This medal was endowed by William F. Conran and first was awarded in 1937. Recipient is awarded $200 cash, donated by Honorary First Deputy Fire Commissioner Brian Mulheren, in memory of his father, Joseph A. Mulheren, a friend of the FDNY. Recipient also is awarded the Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award, a medallion endowed by the Fitzpatrick and Frisby Foundation, in memory of these two firefighters who made the Supreme Sacrifice. Also awarded $250 cash by the Fitzpatrick and Frisby Foundation.

Thomas F. Dougherty Medal
Chief Dougherty served with the Department from 1888 to 1933 with distinction and honor. In addition to inventing the nozzle that bears his name, he was a colorful member of the Fire College faculty, where he specialized in teaching the technique and efficacy of ventilation. First awarded in 1937. Recipient also is awarded $100 cash, donated by Honorary Deputy Chief Sidney D. Rosoff.

Albert S. Johnston Medal
Albert S. Johnston was a Captain in the New York Fire Patrol with a record of 50 years of faithful service. Ten years after his retirement in 1927, this medal was endowed by William F. Conran and may be awarded to a member of Fire Patrol. $100 is awarded in memory of the officers and members of the NYC Fire Patrol who died in the line of duty, donated by Honorary Deputy Chief Edward Pospisil. An additional $100 cash award is donated by Honorary Deputy Chief Stuart A. Foreman.

Ner Tamid Society/ Franklin Delano Roosevelt Medal
This medal was endowed by the officers and members of FDNY’s Ner Tamid Society in honor of the late president. First awarded in 1946. Also awarded $300 by former First Assistant Commissioner Robert A. Ungar.

Third Alarm Association Medal
The Third Alarm Association, a group of men interested in Fire Department activities, endowed this medal for valor in 1950. A $200 cash award also is included.

Vincent J. Kane Medal
This medal is named in honor of the late Vincent J. Kane, labor leader and longtime President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. It was endowed by the UFA before World War II. Also awarded $400, donated by the UFA.

Brummer Medal
The late Bertram Brummer and his wife, Susie, have had a long-standing interest in the FDNY. Bertram, a member of the New York Stock Exchange, received training during World War II at the Fire Department College and was assigned to Engine Company 44 in the Auxiliary Corps. In 1961, Bertram and Susie Brummer endowed this medal to be awarded annually for an act of bravery. First awarded in 1962. Recipient also is awarded $850.

Frank W. Kridel Medal
Awarded by the Hotel Association of New York City to a member of the FDNY in recognition of an act of valor above and beyond the call of duty. In addition, $500 is awarded by the Association. First awarded in 1962.

Emerald Society Medal
Endowed by the Emerald Society. First awarded in 1965. Also awarded a $500 savings bond donated by the Society and $100 donated by Sandy and Terry Sansevero. An additional $100 is donated by retired Lieutenant James J. Finegan of Ladder Company 48.

Chief Wesley Williams Medal
Endowed by the Vulcan Society. First awarded in 1966. Also awarded a $250 savings bond, donated by the Society, and $100, donated by Dr. Jean D. Pratt in memory of her parents, David and Jeanette Small.

Holy Name Society Medal (Brooklyn/Queens)
Endowed by the Holy Name Society (Brooklyn-Queens) in memory of Chaplain Emeritus Very Reverend Monsignor Merrit E. Yeager. First awarded in 1967. Also awarded $250, donated by the Society.

Hispanic Society Memorial Medal
Endowed by the Hispanic Society as “a memorial tribute to the 12 Brother firefighters who made the Supreme Sacrifice at the East 23rd Street fire on October 17, 1966.” First awarded in 1968. Also awarded a $200 savings bond, donated by the Society. $100 is awarded in memory of the officers and members of the NYC Fire Patrol who died in the line of duty, donated by Honorary Deputy Chief Edward Pospisil. Also, a $100 savings bond is donated by Joseph Rodriquez, Founding President, Hispanic Society, Ladder Company 54, retired. The recipient also is awarded a $1000 savings bond by the Mendez family, in memory of Battalion Chief Anthony Mendez, and another $1000 bond, donated by N.Y. Hospital.

Captain Denis W. Lane Memorial Medal
Endowed in honor of the late Captain Denis W. Lane. Established by the Honorable Joseph M. Lane and Ms. Joan M. Lane. Captain Lane was appointed to the Department in 1913. A life-long member of the FDNY Anchor Club, he retired in 1958 after a long and dedicated career. Awarded to a deserving member of the uniformed force in recognition of an outstanding act of bravery. First awarded in 1976. Recipient also is awarded a $500 savings bond, donated by the FDNY Anchor Club.

Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal
Endowed in 1977 by the Uniformed Fire Officers Association “for an act of heroism and bravery performed by a fire officer at a fire.” Accompanying the medal is a $500 cash award, donated by the UFOA.

Dr. Albert A. Cinelli Medal
Endowed by the UFA in memory of Dr. Albert A. Cinelli, a longtime friend of the FDNY. Dr. Cinelli was responsible for founding both the Medical and Surgical Specialists Plan and the Surgical Assistance Fund. Serving without salary as the director of both programs, Dr. Cinelli won the admiration and respect of every member of the FDNY. In keeping with these thoughts, this medal has been dedicated to his memory. Awarded for the first time in 1978. Also awarded $400, donated by the UFA.

Fire Chiefs Association Memorial Medal
The Fire Chiefs Association has endowed this medal to honor the memory of those chief officers of the FDNY who, from volunteer days to the present, have given leadership, inspiration, courage and, sometimes, their lives, to the development of the finest firefighting force in the world. First awarded in 1979. Recipient also is awarded $300, donated by the family of Deputy Director of Dispatch Operations, Joseph E. Higgins, Jr.

Fire Marshals Benevolent Association Medal
This medal was endowed in 1980 by the Fire Marshals Benevolent Association, to be awarded to a member of the uniformed force for performance of an outstanding act of valor. Recipient also is awarded $200, donated by William B. Norden. In addition, $200 in savings bonds are donated by retired FMs Jim McSwigin and Charlie Wagner, in memory of FM Terry Cullen.

Community Mayors, Inc./ Lt. Robert R. Dolney Medal
This medal is sponsored by the Community Mayors, Inc., and is dedicated to the memory of Lieutenant Robert R. Dolney, who gave his life so that others might live. The Community Mayors organization, dedicated to helping handicapped children, will present this medal annually to a member of the Department who performs an act of bravery in attempting to save the life of a firefighter. However, if an act of this nature does not occur during the year, it then will be presented to a member who performed an outstanding act of heroism. First awarded in 1981. Recipient also is awarded $300, donated by Dominick Della Rocca.

Battalion Chief Frank T. Tuttlemondo Medal
This medal is endowed by the members of the 44th Battalion in honor and memory of their late, beloved Chief, who served the Brownsville area of Brooklyn most of his firefighting career and gave his life to save his men. The medal was designed by Firefighter George Guinan, formerly of Ladder 120. It is presented annually to a member of the Department who performs an act of bravery and courage in keeping with the highest traditions of the FDNY. Also awarded $200, donated by the members of the 44th Battalion. First awarded in 1982. A $200 cash award is donated by retired Assistant Chief Matthew Murtagh on behalf of Fire Tech Promotional Courses.

Dr. John F. Connell Medal
Awarded since 1983 in honor of the late Dr. John F. Connell, adopted in 1923 by Engine 2, in what was then Hell’s Kitchen. With encouragement of firefighters who became his substitute fathers, he received his medical degree. He attended thousands of fires, treating firefighters and civilians without a thought of personal recognition. Endowed by his son, the late John F. Connell, Jr., and first awarded in 1983, the award continues from Rosemary Connell, the widow of John F. Connell, Jr. Included is a $250 award.

New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal
The New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association, Inc., founded in 1950, is an independent, non-profit and tax-exempt organization, dedicated to promoting the interests of the firefighters of the State of New York. The active Association is affiliated with the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association and is celebrating 50 years of volunteer service to the Firefighters of New York and their families. The medal, which first was awarded in 1984, is presented every year to a firefighter who has performed with valor. This medal is dedicated to honoring all firefighters who have performed with valor. With this medal, a check for $1000 also is awarded and donated by the members of the New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association, Inc.

Fire Bell Club Medal
The Fire Bell Club, the oldest and largest such group in the New York City area, consists of individuals, both in and outside of the fire service, who have an interest in the FDNY. The Fire Bell Club awards this medal bi-annually as an expression of their admiration and appreciation of the camaraderie that has existed between the FDNY and the Club since its founding in 1939. First awarded in 1984. Also awarded $300, plus an additional award of $200 from Honorary Deputy Chief John Davis, a member of the Fire Bell Club.

Firefighter David J. DeFranco Medal
In honor of the memory of Firefighter David J. DeFranco for his dedicated efforts on behalf of the Department. This medal, awarded for a water-related rescue, is presented, along with a $200 cash award, by the David J. DeFranco Memorial Scholarship Fund. Also, a cash award is donated by Honorary Assistant Chief Frank Rooney. Additionally, in memory of Sandra Iorizzo, $500 is donated by her family.

Lieutenant James Curran/ New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal/ Father Julian F. Deeken Memorial Medal
Presented every three years to a unit that received the Lieutenant James Curran/New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal during the previous three years. Endowed by Honorary Deputy Chief Peter Horowitz, each recipient receives a $200 savings bond. The bond is provided by former Fire Marshal James McSwigin, in memory of the family of Detective Terence L. McSwigin, who perished in a fire on February 3, 1987. Also, a $100 cash award is donated by Honorary Deputy Chief Stuart A. Foreman.

Lieutenant James Curran/ New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal
The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation is an organization committed to the goals of quality burn care and fund-raising endeavors. Similarly, the FDNY is engaged in safeguarding and improving the quality of life for city residents. It is this semblance of purpose and collaborative spirit that is deserving of recognition. With this in mind, the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation awards a medal to the most worthy of units in appreciation of “a concentrated super effort based on teamwork.” Proceeds for this endowment, as well as a $100 savings bond for each recipient, are provided solely through the generosity of Honorary Deputy Chief Peter Horowitz, in memory of his father, Samuel Horowitz.

Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser Memorial Medal
Endowed by the Uniformed Firefighters Association, this medal is named in honor of Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser, a 20-year veteran of the FDNY, whose firefighting career was cut short in 1990 by his untimely death. Firefighter Elsasser was a major contributor to UFA charity sporting events. In addition to the medal awarded to the unit, each member receives a medal and $100, donated by the Thomas R. Elsasser Memorial Fund.

Deputy Commissioner Christine R. Godek Medal
Established and presented by Honorary Deputy Commissioner Dorothy W. Marks and (now-deceased) Honorary First Deputy Commissioner Shelly Rothman in honor of Christine R. Godek, the first female Deputy Fire Commissioner of the FDNY. Presented annually to an outstanding New York City Fire Marshal for unusual display of initiative, improving techniques, resourcefulness and capability in the investigation of arson. Also awarded $100 by Dr. Jean D. Pratt, in honor of the Juvenile Firesetters Program. A $350 cash award also is donated.

Firefighter Kevin C. Kane Medal
This medal has been established in honor of Firefighter Kevin C. Kane, who made the Supreme Sacrifice in the discharge of his duties, protecting life and property on September 13, 1991. This medal is awarded annually to a member of the Department who performs an act of outstanding bravery and courage as deemed by the Board of Merit. Also, a $400 cash award is donated by the Kane family in memory of both Kevin and his father, Assistant Chief Edward J. Kane.

Probationary Firefighter Thomas A. Wylie Medal
This medal is endowed by the members of Ladder Company 18 in honor of their fallen Brother, Probationary Firefighter Thomas A. Wylie, who gave his life assisting in the rescue of more than 20 civilians at a fire in Chinatown. The medal is awarded annually to a Probationary Firefighter who distinguishes himself as Tom did in his brief career. The medal depicts his caricature of a “Can Man,” the traditional position of a “Proby.” Also awarded $200, donated by the members of Ladder 18 and Battalion 4, in memory of Dan Franco, Engine 17/Ladder 18.

Captain John J. Drennan Memorial Medal
Endowed by the Viking Association of the FDNY in memory of Captain John J. Drennan, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. This medal is awarded to members of the Department who perform acts above and beyond the call of duty. A $200 cash donation also is awarded.

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