FIRE COMMISSIONER AND FAMILY OF FDNY LIEUTENANT RICHARD A. NAPPI UNVEIL STREET RENAMED IN HIS HONOR IN BROOKLYN

Tuesday, October 20, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, Chief of Department James E. Leonard joined family members, colleagues and friends of Lieutenant Richard A. Nappi to honor his memory at a street renaming ceremony outside the Quarters of Engine Company 237 in Brooklyn.

On the afternoon of Monday, April 16, 2012, Engine Company 237 responded to a fire in a two-story commercial building at 930 Flushing Avenue.Â Arriving with several additional companies, Lieutenant Nappi led a team of firefighters in stretching and operating a hoseline on the first floor. While battling the fire, he became overheated and collapsed; Lieutenant Nappi was removed by Firefighters, and rushed by ambulance to Woodhull Hospital where he later died.

“We never forget the heroes who came before us. Many of the streets in our city are named for brave FDNY members who gave their lives in service to others. Today, Lt. Nappi's name joins that solemn list," said Commissioner Nigro. "He will continue to set an example for future members of this firehouse, long after all of us are gone. The neighborhood he protected — the current residents and generations that will follow — they will all know his name. His memory and his legacy of brave service will live-on forever."

Lieutenant Richard A. Nappi's 17-year career with the Department began as a firefighter with Engine Company 7 in Lower Manhattan in 1994. On the morning of September 11, 2001, he was off-duty but he responded from home to the World Trade Center, which stood several blocks from his firehouse. In 2003, Nappi transferred to Engine Company 303 in Queens. Following his promotion to Lieutenant in November 2007, he was assigned to Engine Company 237 in Brooklyn.

"When we lose someone in the line of duty, we as a Department make a promise to that member's family that we will always remember their sacrifice," said Chief of Department Leonard. "Rich was an outstanding officer because he deeply believed the importance of preparation and training, and the safety of his members was always a top priority. The day we lost Rich to a fire â€“ the entire Department felt a loss."

Lt. Nappi's wife, Mary Anne, and children, Catherine and Nicholas, unveiled the street sign in his honor at the corner of Morgan Avenue and Grattan Street.

(from left to right) Lt. Richard A. Nappi's son Nicholas, daughter Catherine, and wife Mary Anne.

“It's overwhelming," said Lt. Nappi's wife, Mary Anne. "I just hope that he's remembered, that people walk by and want to know more about him, his legacy and his being a member here at Engine 237."

In gratitude for the Department's support, the Nappi family, along with members of Engine Company 237, presented the Family Transport Unit with a cheque for of $20,000.

Lieutenant Richard A. Nappi was the 1,142nd firefighter to die in the line of duty.

See more photos from the street renaming ceremony here