Historical Incidents

Relatives of 3 Retired NY Fire Heroes Fuming

Sept. 10, 2003

Angry families of three retired fire heroes who died in the Sept. 11 attacks are upset the city is denying the men the same honors as fallen active-duty firefighters.September 10, 2003 -- Angry families of three retired fire heroes who died in the Sept. 11 attacks are upset the city is denying the men the same honors as fallen active-duty firefighters."My father died exactly how he lived his life - as an FDNY firefighter," said Brendan Corrigan.

"My father died exactly how he lived his life - as an FDNY firefighter," said Brendan Corrigan.

James J. Corrigan, who before retirement worked at Engine 10 - near the World Trade Center - was a fire safety official at the complex. Two other FDNY retirees employed at the WTC - William Wren and Phillip Hayes - also died saving lives.

A special state law gave Corrigan, Wren and Hayes full active-employment status, entitling their families to benefits.

In a statement, the department said its decision not to count the men among 343 firefighters lost followed 137 years of city policy.