Mayor Eric Adams and FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh honored 12 members of the FDNY who lost their lives in 2023. 

The 116th Memorial Day Service took place on Wednesday. Two of the 12 members died in the line of duty – EMS Capt. Alison Russo and firefighter William Moon. The families of Moon and Russo received flags from the mayor and FDNY commissioner.  

MORE: FDNY holds plaque dedication, street renaming for late EMS captain Alison Russo

“These were amazing people,” said Kavanaugh. “Memorial Day is our most important day when we pay tribute to all of them.” 

Kavanaugh reiterated that the number of firefighters who have died of 9/11-related illnesses matches the number of firefighters lost on that tragic day.