James W. Gallaher of the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department in Wayne County was among 53 firefighters honored Tuesday as New York added their names to its Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
Gov. Kathy Hochul joined families and emergency responders at the 29th annual ceremony at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany. The governor's list of firefighters added to the memorial identifies Gallaher and his department.
Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department is based on Plank Road in the town of Walworth, according to Wayne County's fire mutual aid plan. The state announcement did not provide details of Gallaher's service, death or the circumstances under which his name was added this year.
The memorial at Empire State Plaza honors 2,871 New York firefighters who died in the line of duty, the governor's office said. The 53 names added this year include members of career and volunteer departments from across the state.
Hochul told relatives at the ceremony that their presence was a tribute to the lives of those they had lost. She thanked firefighters' families for supporting those who served, according to a transcript of her remarks.
State Fire Administrator James Cable said the new inscriptions serve as a permanent reminder of the firefighters' service. Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O'Leary also offered condolences to their families and departments.
Hochul proclaimed Oct. 6 Firefighter Appreciation Day and Oct. 4-10 Fire Prevention Week in New York. The state Office of Fire Prevention and Control provides training, public education and other support to local fire departments and emergency responders.
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