The FDNY has taken a big symbolic step towards restoring a sense of normalcy in the department by honoring the bravest of the brave at its annual Medal Day ceremony.
What You Need To Know
- After attendance at a previous FDNY Medal Day ceremony was pared down due the pandemic, honorees were cheered on by fellow firefighters and extended family.
- Firefighter Abraham Miller was honored with the FDNY's highest medal for bravery
- Miller descended from a rope as part of a rescue involving a five-year-old girl last September who was trapped in her Washington Heights apartment by smoke and fire
Firefighters and their families cheered for firefighter Abraham Miller as the Fire Commissioner awarded him the FDNY’s highest medal for bravery.
“When it comes to rising to the challenge, look no further than Firefighter Abraham Miller,” said Nigro.
It was back on September 29, that Miller risked his life to save the life of a five-year-old girl. Firefighters lowered him on a rope from the roof of a six-story building in Washington Heights to rescue the child trapped in her apartment by smoke and fire. He gives credit to his fellow firefighters, the little girl and her grandmother.
“The grandmother at this fire, she also did a lot of things that gave us the opportunity to save them,” said Miller. “She didn’t just call up and hide. They did things, her and the little girl. They fought for their lives."
Miller accepted the honor at the FDNY’s annual Medal Day Ceremony.
His wife, Roxanne said when she spoke to her husband after the rescue, they both thought of their son Elijah, who is now eight-years-old.
“He said the first thing he thought about was Elijah because Elijah was so young at the time,” said Roxanne Frasier-Miller. “So yes, it hits home because when it’s a little child, it’s like oh my god. But just to know that Abe was able to save that little girl’s life. It was amazing. Absolutely amazing."
Fighting back tears, Miller said he initially decided to become a firefighter, following the tragic events of September 11.
“It wasn’t until I was about 20 years old, when the planes took down the towers,” Miller said. “That’s when I decided I wanted to be a firefighter.
While Miller believes the firefighters who died on September 11th would be proud of him, there’s no question how Miller’s son Elijah feels.
“Yeah, I’m proud,” said the 8 year old. “He helped save a five year old girl. I’m really proud that he did that.”
Wednesday’s ceremony marked the first FDNY Medal Ceremony since the start of the pandemic in which honorees were able to invite their extended family. The FDNY is hopeful that they’ll be able to do the same next year, for the next set of honorees.