This statement is being made in behalf of the wives, children, parents and siblings, of the Proud, Dedicated and Brave Patrolmen of the New York Fire Patrol.

Our pride in you can not be measured.  We, above anyone else, know what the proud profession you have chosen means to you.  It is more than just a paycheck.  It is more than just a job.  It is and always has been a way of life.  The tradition of the Fire Patrol can not be erased with the stroke of a pen, by greedy corporate people who sit behind desks.  They have not been in the field with you.  They don't know how your heart and soul is tied to this tradition.  They don't know the brotherhood you feel with your fellow members.  They cannot know, because they don't have souls.  It is all about the bottom line to them.  Above all.  And screw anyone who gets in their way.

Our hearts will be with you today, as the last run is taken in, before the doors of Patrols 1, 2 and 3 are locked.  Just as our hearts and fears were with you every day that you performed this vital service to the City that you love.

Just as our hearts were with you on the most terrible day in the history of this country.  While we waited countless hours to find out, who of you was alive and who was lost.  And all the days that followed.  When we knew you had to be on that pile for months, because your heart told you there was no other place you could be.  Even though we were terrified for your safety.  And our hearts were broken with yours, when you removed the remains of your brother, Patrolman Keith Roma, from that horrid place.  As our hearts were with his parents, as they waited for months and as they identified their sons body on Christmas Day.

We will be with you, and we will pray along with you, that the effects from the toxic air on 9/11 and the months afterwards, has not affected your health.  We will pray along with you, for those whose health it has already affected.

To Mr. Greg Serio and the New York Board of Fire Underwriters.  We hope you can sleep at night knowing what you have put our men and our families through for the last year.  The lies, the lack of information, the fact that you refused to let our men present their case as to the worth of the Patrol, before that travesty of a vote.  The incompetence of the NYBFU and the greed of the insurance industry caused this closure.  Not the dedicated men and our families who will suffer for it.  Not the citizens of NYC who will be affected by it.

Shame on you Mr. Serio.  Shame on you for turning your back on your fire service brothers.  Have your years of proud service protecting your community as a volunteer fireman, taught you nothing.  Do your members know the details of how you have turned your back on the brotherhood.  Do they know how you have threatened dismissal for anyone who spoke the truth to the media.  We think not.

It's amazing to us that a mere 3 years ago, while at your previous employment, as the New York Superintendent of Insurance, you were quoted at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners annual meeting as saying,

"Keith Roma is a true hero and embodies the spirit of the New York fire patrolman," said Serio. "As a firefighter, I have seen firsthand what these men and women go through each and everyday and I thank each and everyone of them for their service to this great city over the past two centuries." 

What changed in their worth from 2003 to 2006??  NOTHING!!  What changed was the BFU's fear of liability now that symptoms from 9/11 are starting to show.  And the greed of the insurance industry, who will cut anything, in their quest to save a buck.

You have tried to reduce our brave men from HEROES TO ZEROS.  But, we know them.  The pride and determination of these men will not keep them down for long.  And we will not forget.