Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 11, 2000

Release #-012-00

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins (212) 788-2958



MAYOR GIULIANI AND FIRE COMMISSIONER VON ESSEN DEDICATE PLAQUE IN MEMORY OF LT. JOSEPH P. CAVALIERI AND FIREFIGHTERS CHRISTOPHER M. BOPP AND JAMES BOHAN

Fallen Heroes Remembered For Their Courage and Bravery

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Von Essen today dedicated a plaque honoring the memory of Lieutenant Joseph P. Cavalieri, Firefighter Christopher M. Bopp and Firefighter James Bohan. The three firefighters succumbed to injuries sustained on December 18, 1998 while attempting to rescue elderly occupants trapped in a third alarm fire at 17 Vandalia Avenue in Brooklyn. The plaque was unveiled at Engine Company 257 and Ladder Company 170, where the three courageous men served.

"Today we pay tribute to three men who selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties," said Mayor Giuliani. "The acts of courage and bravery displayed by Lieutenant Cavalieri, Firefighter Bohan, and Firefighter Bopp on December 18, 1998 will not be forgotten. As we remember and honor these men we also thank their families for their courage and ability to remain strong in the light of tragedy. These men were heroes who gave their lives while protecting their fellow New Yorkers and will always serve as an example of the dedication of New York City's Bravest."

Fire Commissioner Von Essen said, "Lieutenant Cavalieri, Firefighter Bopp and James Bohan will be forever honored by this Department and our City for making the supreme sacrifice. Their enthusiasm for the job and the level of commitment they demonstrated in serving their fellow New Yorkers was inspirational. This plaque will serve as an everlasting tribute to their dedicated service for years to come and generations of Firefighters and Fire Officers will draw strength from the example they set."

Lieutenant Cavalieri, a 15-year veteran of the Department, was promoted to Lieutenant in 1996. He was a resident of Malverne, Long Island where he lived with his wife Deborah and two daughters Meghan and Maureen. He was cited twice for bravery during his career.

Firefighter Bopp was a four- year veteran of the Department and former New York City Police Officer. His wife Cori gave birth to their daughter, Carli Michelle Bopp on July 26, 1999 seven months after the tragic death of her father.

Firefighter Bohan was a two-year veteran from Middle Village, Queens. He is survived by his father and mother, John and Margaret, and his brother Maurice. Bohan spent the day before the fire delivering toys to children at Brookdale Hospital, where he died the next day.

 




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