In honor of first responders who lost their lives during the September 11 attacks, modern red and blue road signs will be installed ahead of the 25th anniversary, according to reports.
City Council President Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) is allocating $90,000 from her discretionary budget to replace 269 standard green street signs that currently display the names of these fallen heroes in their neighborhoods, which was a move initiated after the events of September 11, 2001.
Menin, who has long supported 9/11 families, directed funds to this initiative at the suggestion of City Councilman Phil Wong (D-Queens), who originally secured the funding. This matter was a key issue during a city council hearing in March.
Wong mentioned a concern raised by one of his constituents, John Vannata, whose late wife, paramedic Hilda Vannata, received a red road sign in 2024 for her death attributed to a 9/11-related illness. Vannata pointed out the inconsistency in the signage honoring these individuals.
Recently, the city has been recognizing those who died from 9/11-related illnesses with blue signs for police officers and red signs for firefighters and EMTs, as Wong explained.
Initially, Wong’s office approached the city Department of Transportation about replacing the aging green signs, but when the department couldn’t find the right material, they turned to Menin and other council members for assistance, including Public Safety Committee Chairman Oswald Ferris (D-Bronx) and Fire and Emergency Management Committee Chair Joanne Arriola (R-Queens).
“This is exactly the type of investment New Yorkers can support,” Wong stated.
“It’s a small gesture to honor the brave men and women of the NYPD and FDNY who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, but it’s truly a worthy investment of time, effort, and taxpayer dollars,” he added.
As the anniversary approaches, Menin remarked, “The council is honoring the heroes who lost their lives due to the tragic September 11 attacks with these memorial street signs.”
Ferris also expressed, “Restoring the markers for the fallen heroes of 9/11 reflects our ongoing gratitude and commitment to remembering those who sacrificed their lives to keep our city safe.”
While 415 first responders perished during the attacks, only those who lived in New York City were honored with street names.
