Illumination of state landmarks to honor fallen firefighters

Landmarks to shine red evening of Saturday, May 2, as part of national ‘Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters’ initiatives

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul directed 17 state landmarks to be illuminated red the evening of Saturday, May 2, as part of “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters,” which honors firefighters who have died in service to their communities, remembers their families and recognizes National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

“The brave men and women we honor this weekend gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, and New York will always remember their bravery and selflessness,” Hochul said. “We stand with their families, loved ones and the fellow firefighters that continue to carry on their legacies every time they run toward danger.”

In addition, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial ceremony will occur Sunday, May 3, at the U.S. Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Among those being honored this year is FDNY firefighter Patrick Brady who died in the line of duty in November 2025.

Monday, May 4, also is marked as International Firefighter’s Day, a day to recognize the dedication, bravery and commitment of firefighters who work tirelessly to protect lives and property. It is also a time to remember and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Among those being honored this year are 28 firefighters from departments across New York:

• Patrick D. Brady, FDNY
• Russell E. Brooks, Utica Fire Department
• Dennis J. Collopy, FDNY
• Christopher R. Dand, Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department
• Michael A. DeBenedetto, FDNY
• Brian T. Fitzgerald, FDNY
• John R. Gaudet, Binghamton Fire Department
• Neil G. Gimpel, FDNY
• Robert M. Kelly, FDNY
• Kamran A. Khan, FDNY
• Keith Bowditch Kostuk, Eastport Fire Department
• Joseph John Mazza Sr., Pocatello Mount Hope Fire Co.
• Jason T. McGlone, East Branch Fire Department
• Vincent C. McMahon Jr., FDNY
• Arill Nyquist, FDNY
• Robert S. Okorn, FDNY
• Lawrence A. “Larry” Pude, Cambria Volunteer Fire Co.
• Richard A. Raus, Mount Vernon Fire Department
• Christopher J. Revere, FDNY
• Michael Joseph Ryan, Phoenicia Fire District
• Joseph J. Scaramuzzo, FDNY
• Randall Shampoe Jr., Clymer Volunteer Fire Department
• Frederick S. Simms, FDNY
• James G. Sitek, West Colesville Fire Co.
• Ronald J. Smeller, Jr., Ellicott Creek Volunteer Fire Co.
• James T. Sweeney, FDNY
• Lawrence J. Thompson, New York Regional Response Team 1
• Donald E. Trzepacz Sr., Spring Brook Fire District No. 1

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “Those who choose a life as a firefighter know the dangers of this work and walk toward it anyway, ready to make their communities safer. This weekend we reflect on their dedication, their strength and their service. We will never forget their sacrifice.”

State Fire Administrator James Cable said, “This weekend is a solemn one – one we spend remembering our nation’s firefighters who put their lives on the line every day. Twenty-eight New York firefighters are to be honored at the National Memorial this year. We will always remember their bravery and we thank them for their service.”

The following landmarks will be illuminated in red:

• 1 World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• Lake Placid Olympic Center
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse