Our condolences to the Downing, Fahey, Ford, and the New York Fire Department families. Eight children lost their father on fathers day, and three wives lost their husbands in a tragedy that could have been prevented by sprinklers. The building fire they were fighting was in a hardware store that did not have to have sprinklers in the basement because of its age. This proved fatal for three of our brothers, and one is listed in critical condition. 350 Firefighters from 75 Companies fought the 5 alarm blaze for 12 hours before it was brought under control.

     FireFighter Harry Ford, 50, a 27 year veteran assigned to Rescue 4 in Queens, and FireFighter John Downing, 40, an 11 year veteran assigned to Ladder 163 in Queens were killed in front of the building when the facade collapsed on them. They were both performing ventilation when the blast occured. They were pulled from the rubble and sent to Elmhurst Hospital where they were pronounced dead.

     FireFighter Brian Fahey, 46, a 14 year veteran also assigned to Rescue 4 in Queens was on the first floor when the blast occured, trapping him in the basement beneath rubble. Brian was in radio contact for a short period before his radio went silent. It took his brothers four hours to remove him from the rubble.

Our brother Harry Ford left behind a wife, Denise, and three children, Janna O'Brien, Gerard (10), and Harry (12).      Our brother Brian Fahey left behind a wife, Mary, and three children, Brendan (8), and twins, Patrick and James (3).      Our brother John Downing left behind a wife, Anne, and two children, Joanne (7), and Michael (3).

     A memorial fund has been established by the New York Post. They started the fund with a $10,000 donation. Donations can be made to:

The Astoria Fire: Post Herores Fund c/o Uniformed Firefighters Assoc. 204 East 23rd Street 5th Floor New York, NY 10010

Funeral Arrangements:

FireFighter Harry Ford June 21, 2001 0930 St Ignatius Martyr Church 721 West Broadway Long Beach, NY

FireFighter Brian Fahey June 21, 2001 1300 St Raymond Church 263 Atlantic Avenue East Rockaway, NY

FireFighter John Downing June 22, 2001 1030 St Sebastions Church 39-63 57th Street Woodside Queens, NY