Rudolph W. Giuliani
Mayor
<>The year 2000 marks the seventh
year that I have been Mayor of New York City. It also
marks the seventh year in which I have had the distinct
privilege and honor of hosting the Fire Department’s
Medal Day. So often, the lives and times of people
and events in our City speed along on what visitors
to New York call the fastest pace in the world. Sometimes,
however, we witness events that are tragic--fires,
building collapses, subway accidents, children hurt
in schools, etc. It is during these times that New
Yorkers--and all the many public servants whose jobs
are dedicated to helping fellow New Yorkers--shine
the brightest. None shines brighter than the brave
men and women of the New York City Fire Department.
As Mayor, I go to many emergencies throughout the
five boroughs where, time after time, I witness the
dedication and commitment of this great agency doing
what they do best--helping fellow citizens in times
of crisis. I cannot begin to express to you how often
people come up to me at these tragic scenes and tell
me how grateful they are that the Fire Department
was there, quickly, to help or save them. In nearly
all instances, New York’s Bravest are on the
scene within a few minutes from the time of a call
for help. I personally have witnessed how these men
and women put themselves in harm’s way to help
others. On this, the first Medal Day of our new millennium,
I salute the FDNY for their tireless dedication to
protecting the people of the greatest city in the
world. |
