License Plate, Recovered
- Description
- Recovered New York license plate belonging to William M. Feehan. The license plate features a red-colored graphic of the Statue of Liberty on the left side of the plate. "NEW YORK" is printed in blue at the top. The license plate number is "2 FD."
- 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.2012.83.5
- Dimensions: 6 in X 12 in X 0.75 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 15.24 cm X 30.48 cm X 1.905 cm
- Source: Tara Davan
- Credit Line: Gift of the Feehan family
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