Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
MAYOR GIULIANI AND FIRE COMMISSIONER VON ESSEN HONOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTER JOHN P. HANNON
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen today honored the memory of Firefighter John P. Hannon at a plaque dedication ceremony held at the headquarters of Ladder Company 17 and Engine Company 60 in the Bronx. Joining the Mayor and Fire Commissioner were members of the Hannon family, including his mother, Margaret; his brothers, David, Daniel, Thomas and Peter; and his sisters, Margaret, Elizabeth, Kathleen and Debbie.
"Firefighter John Hannon died in a tragic automobile accident on his way home from work," Mayor Giuliani said. "The sudden death of this remarkable young man touched the lives of all New Yorkers, who joined with us in mourning his passing. Although one year’s time has not lessened the pain of our loss, we come together in a celebration of John Hannon’s triumphant life.
"What struck many of those who knew and loved John was his deep passion for his family, his friends and his job," Mayor Giuliani continued. "He sought out opportunities to volunteer his expertise. As a participant in New York City’s Disaster Assistance Response Team, John forfeited his own vacation time to volunteer at disaster areas around the country, providing comfort to countless victims.
"Two weeks before his death, John raced into a burning basement to bring a person to safety only to go back again and search for other people. It is that kind of heroism that exemplifies what is so remarkable about the men and women of the New York City Fire Department. It is an honor to dedicate this plaque in his memory," the Mayor concluded.
Commissioner Von Essen said, "The very tragic and almost incomprehensible circumstances that took the life of a very young energetic John Hannon stand in stark contrast to the substantial details of his life and character: his love for his family and his friends, and his devotion to duty as a New York City firefighter. He is sorely missed, but lives on in the hearts and minds of those who loved and worked with him."
On January 17, 1997, Firefighter John Hannon, 32, died of injuries sustained when a wheel from a tractor trailer came loose and smashed into his car as he traveled on the Major Deegan Expressway. John Hannon was appointed to the Department in April 1991 and was assigned to Ladder Company 17 since June of 1994.
Following his death, the Hannon family donated John’s organs to medical science, saving the lives of four others. The Donor Network, the federally-designated organization responsible for organ procurement in New York City, presented a plaque to Ladder Company 17 and Engine Company 60 last May.
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