Liam Flaherty

“Keep going. Support one another. Love one another. You love the job. We all do. A difficult, difficult job. But God gives you a love for it so that a difficult job will be well done!” - FDNY Chaplain Fr. Mychal Judge - May 11, 1933 - September 11, 2001

We mourn the passing of Firefighter Patrick Brady, whose bravery this city is deeply indebted to. For 11 years, he put the safety of others before his own, serving selflessly and courageously. New York City is forever grateful for his service and sacrifice. Our hearts are with his wife, family, and loved ones as they face this unimaginable loss.

Firefighter James Dowdell has been a member of the FDNY for 19 years. His father, Lieutenant Kevin Dowdell, Rescue 4, was killed on September 11, 2001. Dowdell is currently assigned to Rescue 2 in Brooklyn.   On Tuesday, Dowdell will be promoted to Lieutenant, the same rank his dad held on September 11. The promotion ceremony also coincides with what would have been his father’s 70th birthday.   “Being surrounded by great officers in Rescue 2 you eventually learn enough from them and say ‘hey I want to give this a shot.’ It’ll be challenge to always keep the family name, my dad’s name, standing high. You just hope that my effort and experience will keep moving us forward. Everyone who came before is what makes the job great,” said Dowdell.    “We all try to carry, whether it's a family name or the tradition of the Department, forward. Keep learning and instill the values and traditions onto the next generation. It’ll be interesting see a different side of the job. It’s kind of like learning a new position. You’re excited to try and see a side of the job you haven’t seen yet,” said Dowdell.

The FDNY’s Rescue Companies are known globally for their elite responses to fires and emergencies. I stopped by Rescue 2 in Brooklyn Thursday afternoon to meet the members, tour the firehouse, and talk shop. Thank you for the hospitality!