Firefighter Memorial Transport

10/16/2026

We honor the life and service of Sergeant Mike Chea of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We will remember his service and sacrifice. Rest in peace, Sergeant Chea.

10/13/2026

Today, we will honor and remember Officer Brian Liles.

The California Highway Patrol invites you to join us at 11:00AM for the livestream of Officer Liles' memorial service in Visalia as we come together to honor his life, service, and sacrifice.

Watch the Memorial Service live: https://bit.ly/4y88doW

10/13/2026

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department stands alongside our law enforcement brothers and sisters at Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department in mourning the tragic loss of Deputy Katherine Frank.

Our heartfelt condolence go out to her loved ones and partners during this difficult time.

Her service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

10/09/2026

We are heartbroken to share that Firefighter Andrew Brokes died in the line of duty this morning while searching for victims inside the building at 410 Marly Drive.

Firefighter Brokes, who joined the Durham Fire Department on May 5, 2025, served the Durham community with dedication, courage, and a deep commitment to the residents of the Bull City.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our department, the family, and the entire community,” said Durham Fire Chief Robert J. Zoldos II. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and his colleagues, and we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this unimaginably difficult time. The department is standing with and supporting his family in every possible way.”

Two other firefighters were injured during the incident and were taken to Duke Medical Center. Both have received care and are expected to make full recoveries.

This loss is felt across our entire department. Firefighters step into unpredictable situations every day in service to others, and Firefighter Brokes embodied that calling with honor.

We know our community is grieving alongside us. If you wish to share your condolences or messages of support, they will be received with gratitude by our department and by those who knew and loved Firefighter Brokes.

In the coming days, we will share more information about how we will honor his service and support the firefighters involved in this incident.

Thank you, Durham, for surrounding our DFD family with care during this profoundly difficult time.

10/06/2026

The UFA mourns the passing of retired Firefighter Ralph S. Esposito of Engine 80, who succumbed to a World Trade Center-related illness on September 24, 2026.

Firefighter Esposito served the FDNY with dedication for 21 years and proudly served our nation as a United States Marine.

Beyond his service in the firehouse, Ralph dedicated more than 20 years as a peer and grief counselor with the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. In that role, he became a trusted source of strength and support for hundreds of Firefighters, families, family members, and firehouses during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Ralph possessed a unique ability to connect with people when they needed it most. His compassion, understanding, and distinctive approach to counseling left an extraordinary impact on the members and families he served and will forever hold a special place in the history of the FDNY.

He will be deeply missed by the UFA, our members, and the countless people whose lives he touched throughout his many years of service.

Funeral Service
Friday, October 9, 2026
10:30 AM

St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church
45-14 245th Street
Queens, NY 11362

The UFA extends its deepest condolences to Ralph’s family, friends, fellow Firefighters, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

May his memory be a blessing, and may he rest in eternal peace.

10/05/2026

With regret, I inform you of the sudden passing of Anthony Rucco.

(Family written obituary) Anthony Rucco, 61 years old, of NYC, born and raised in Throggs Neck, Bronx, NY died suddenly on September 18, 2026.

Retired Firefighter for FDNY, proudly serving Engine Co. 40, Ladder 35 for 21 years.

Born to parents Dolores and Americo (deceased) on July 1, 1965, he was the beloved brother of Gregory (Dana), Stephen and younger sister Susan. Loving uncle to Joseph (Stephanie), Dina, Robert (his Godson) and Angela. Also survived by many other family members and friends.

Family will receive friends Sunday, 9/27, 2p-6p at Balsamo Funeral Home, 3188 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461.

Funeral Mass:
Monday, 9/28, 11 am at St Frances De Chantal
190 Hollywood Ave, Bronx, NY 10465

In lieu of flowers, please donate toTunnel to Towers Foundation in Anthony's Memory.

My deepest condolences to the family, may Anthony Rest in Peace.

09/29/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E2rhprAoR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We talk about the victims of September 11 like the final death toll was set in stone the day the towers fell. It never was. For every first responder who ran toward the smoke and chaos that morning, the attack didn’t end when the dust settled over Lower Manhattan. It followed them home. It settled deep in their lungs. And it kept taking lives, for years and decades after.

This week, the department announced the passing of retired EMT Maria V. Rueda, who died from a World Trade Center-linked illness after 31 years of steadfast service. For three decades, she showed up before dawn, raced into wreckage, and held strangers’ hands through their worst, most terrifying minutes. She was the kind of first responder who never hesitated, never held back, never put herself first.

On 9/11, she charged straight to Ground Zero with the rest of them, working hour after brutal hour through acrid toxic dust and falling debris, triaging the wounded, pulling people to safety. She walked off that site alive that day. But she never walked away unhurt.

The poison from that collapsed concrete and steel seeped into her body, and slowly, relentlessly eroded her health over the next 25 years. It’s the silent, unspoken toll of the attacks — one that grows higher every single year, long after most of the world has moved on with its life.

Her family, colleagues, and community will lay her to rest Friday, October 9th at Fort Totten in Bayside, NY. A public viewing will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Building 319 on Murray Avenue, followed immediately by her memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

May her memory be a blessing and her soul rest in eternal peace. And may we always remember: the 9/11 casualty count isn’t finished. It’s still rising.