Senate Resolution No. 193

BY: Senator RIVERA

PAYING tribute to the life and valiant service of
Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy who died in the line
of duty on September 27, 2016

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and
the strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and

WHEREAS, Many firefighters have lost their lives to save the lives
of others; each and every day, they face danger and peril without fear
and perform their job with the utmost concern and professionalism;
Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy was one such firefighter who died doing
what he loved; and

WHEREAS, Following in the footsteps of his hero and father, former
Battalion Chief Thomas J. Fahy, Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy
heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those
responsibilities which define the task of fire protection for almost two
decades; and

WHEREAS, In May of 1999, Michael J. Fahy was appointed as a
firefighter and was assigned to Engine Company 35 in Harlem, where he
worked for five years before transferring to Ladder 14, located in the
same firehouse; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, Michael J. Fahy was promoted to the position of
Lieutenant and was assigned to Battalion 3 in the Bronx, before being
assigned to Engine 83 in the South Bronx; upon his promotion to Captain
in 2012, he was transferred to Division 1 in lower Manhattan, where he
worked in multiple fire companies; after being promoted to Battalion
Chief, he first worked in Battalion 20 in the Bronx before transferring
to Battalion 19; and

WHEREAS, A devoted and courageous firefighter for 17 years,
Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy was tragically killed in the line of
duty on Tuesday, September 27, 2016; this valiant firefighter died from
injuries sustained at an explosion in the Kingsbridge section of the
Bronx; and

WHEREAS, On that fateful morning, Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy
and several fire units responded to calls reporting a gas odor at the
intersection of West 234th Street and Irwin Avenue; Battalion Chief
Fahy, serving as Incident Commander, ordered fire units to search for
the source of the gas odor, and to evacuate possible endangered
occupants of homes in the vicinity of the odor; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters quickly determined the gas was emanating from
304 West 234th Street and, at about 7:30 a.m., an explosion occurred on

the top floor of the house; Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy was struck
and fatally injured by falling debris; he was transported to New
York-Presbyterian/The Allen Hospital where he died from his injuries;
and

WHEREAS, Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy is survived by his loving
wife, Fiona, and his three treasured children, as well as a legion of
fellow firefighters and friends who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Battalion Chief Michael J.
Fahy touched many through his kindness and commitment to service, and,
as we recall the loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable
life and the enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in
contact; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a
courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
pay tribute to the life and valiant service of Battalion Chief Michael
J. Fahy who died in the line of duty on September 27, 2016; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy.