Fire Badge, Recovered
- Description
- Recovered gold-plated metal FDNY 1st Deputy Commissioner badge belonging to William M. Feehan. The badge features the New York City Municipal seal in the center with "Fire Dept. City of New York | 1st Dep. Commissioner" in gold letters surrounding the red-colored seal. Four silver stars, denoting rank, are at the top of the badge.
- Historical Notes
- Born in Long Island City, Queens, William Feehan lived in Flushing. He was a widower with four grown children. A Korean War veteran and military history buff, William enjoyed visiting historic war sites. In 42 years with the FDNY, he rose to its second-highest rank. On September 11, First Deputy Commissioner Feehan was directing operations on West Street when the South Tower fell. He was 71 years old.
Curator's Comment
William Feehan joined the New York City Fire Department in 1959. Over his 42-year career, he became the first person to hold every uniformed rank within the department. He often shared his wisdom over cups of coffee at FDNY quarters, where he liked to be called “chief,” rather than his formal title. On September 11, First Deputy Commissioner Feehan raced to the World Trade Center in a car with a license plate indicating his current position within the department, second in the civilian administrative ranks. At age 71, he was the oldest first responder killed on 9/11.
- Accession Number: C.2012.83.4
- Dimensions: 2.375 in X 2.25 in X 0.875 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 6.0325 cm X 5.715 cm X 2.2225 cm
- Source: Tara Davan
- Credit Line: Gift of the Feehan family
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