One of the firefighters who responded to the horrific Bronx apartment fire in 2022 — New York City’s deadliest blaze in more than three decades — was among 75 FDNY members promoted during a lavish ceremony on Tuesday.
Jeffrey Funicelli, 47, was promoted from battalion chief to deputy battalion chief as more than 800 friends and family of the New York City Fire Department gathered at Ocean Breeze Athletics Stadium in Staten Island.
“I grew up a few blocks away from a fire station and I always wanted to be a firefighter since I was 3 years old,” Fanicelli told The Washington Post.
He was one of two officers who first responded to the 19-story Twin Parks Apartments in Fordham Heights on Jan. 9 two years ago, arriving just minutes after the initial frantic 911 calls were made.
The tragic blaze marked one of the darkest days in the city’s history, killing 17 people, including eight children and an entire family of five, and injuring dozens more.
The death toll may have been much higher without the heroic actions of Mr. Fanicelli and his fellow smoke eaters who risked their lives to save others.
During an emotional ceremony on Tuesday, Mr. Fanicelli recalled receiving advice from now-retired New York City Police Deputy Chief Jay Jonas, who survived the Sept. 11 collapse of the World Trade Center’s north tower.
The newly appointed deputy chief said he used those guidelines when responding to the Twin Parks incident.
“Jay Jonas came up to me, put his hand on my shoulder and spoke into my ear and told me about his experiences, so when I was a substitute at Twin Parks in 2022, I was able to apply what he taught me,” Fanicelli said.
His son, Ray, 17, said he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the New York City Fire Department.
“I’m proud of my son. He studied hard. I’m going to be a firefighter,” Ray said.
His father then interjected, joking, “I told you, after college!”
Fanicelli is one of 14 battalion chiefs in the New York Fire Department who were promoted to deputy chief on Tuesday. In addition, 25 fire lieutenants were promoted to captain, 33 firefighters to lieutenant, two firefighters to Marine wipers and one to Marine pilot.
The group as a whole had a combined total of 1,000 years of firefighting experience.
Darren Grant, a Navy veteran who served twice in Afghanistan and once in Iraq and rose to the rank of lieutenant, said his mother inspired him to become a firefighter.
“Seeing her dedicated service as a leader in her church and in civic government and her dedication to being a part of the community made me want to be a part of it too,” Grant, 37, said.
“It’s important for people to know that being a part of this city, being able to grow here, being able to live here — this is an opportunity that’s available to everyone. Everyone,” he added.
In his speech, FDNY Interim Chief Joe Pfeiffer addressed attendees, highlighting the key qualities he looks for in a department leader.
“Leaders have to be effective, because if you’re not good at your job, no one is going to follow you into danger,” Pfeiffer said, drawing thunderous applause at the end.
Zeyar Tun, who rose from the rank of lieutenant to captain, is joined by his wife and two children.
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a firefighter and I worked hard. This is a job where you work hard. No one’s going to give you something,” said Tang, a Myanmar native who lives on Staten Island and has been with the NYFD for 17 years.
His wife, Lisa, was thrilled about her husband’s promotion.
“I’m really proud of him. He’s a very hard worker. And he’s very generous. We’re very proud of him today,” she said.
