Plaque Dedicated for Probationary Firefighter Jamel Sears

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano, FDNY Chaplain Rev. Stephen Harding and a ceremonial officer stand with Probationary Firefighter Jamel M. Sears' mother, Jonnie, and sister, Charmaine, as a memorial plaque is dedicated in the firefighter's honor.

Firefighters gathered at the Fire Academy on Nov. 10 for a solemn plaque dedication ceremony honoring Probationary Firefighter Jamel M. Sears.

The 33-year-old firefighter collapsed while at the FDNY Training Academy on Nov. 10, 2008. He was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he died the following evening.

“Here at the Academy, Jamel showed us the kind of firefighter he would be - dedicated, thoughtful, strong and brave,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “He was known as the best of the best.”

Firefighter Sears’ mother, sister and aunts sat in the front row during the ceremony. His wife, New York City Police Officer Sherita Sears, and two children, Mahlek, 12, and Jya, 8, were not able to attend.

“He had a deep love for his family and devotion to duty,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “We need to look at this ceremony not as a remembrance of his death, but as a celebration of his life.”

Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano added: “Jamel would have been a great firefighter. His memory will inspire firefighters for years to come.”

A number of firefighters from Probationary Firefighter Sears' graduating class attended
the dedication at the Fire Academy.

Firefighter Sears spent four years as a member of the U.S. Navy, on board the U.S.S. Alaska. He began his training at the Fire Academy on July 1, 2008.

On what would have been his graduation day in December 2008, a seat was left empty in his honor. He was posthumously assigned to Engine 218, where he spent a week during training and said he someday wanted to work.

“He was dedicated and well loved, and he will always be loved and remembered,” said Lt. Roddy McGibbon of Engine 217, who has supported the Sears family since the firefighter’s death.

Many of the friends and family attending the dedication remembered Firefighter Sears as funny, smart and supportive.

Firefighter Roy Ciofalo from Engine 23, a member of Firefighter Sears’ squad at the Academy, said he shared a locker with the firefighter. When training ended, he took the piece of tape that listed Firefighter Sears name on the locker and placed it on his locker at the firehouse.

“There has not been one tour I worked that I didn’t think of him,” he said. “He defines the word ‘heart.’ And even though our friendship and brotherhood was short lived, he had an impact on us all.”