FDNY awards new medals named in honor of Firefighter William Moon and Capt. Alison Russo
NEW YORK -- A time-honored tradition, FDNY Medal Day marked a time for reflection and tribute in Flushing on Wednesday.
The annual ceremony recognizing department heroes takes on new meaning this year for some recipients.
An award has been added in memory of firefighter William "Billy" Moon II, who suffered a fatal head injury in December when preparing for a drill at his Brooklyn fire house.
His donated organs saved five lives, including that of retired firefighter Terrence Jordan.
"It's like I've been reborn. He gave me the gift of life," he said.
Kristina Moon received the medal of life in her husband's honor.
"It's emotional, but it's really beautiful emotions to know that he's forever here in some capacity," she said. "He's living on in other people, and now, his favorite job in the world is honoring him forever."
Also presented for the first time is the Captain Alison Russo North Star Medal, named for the EMT stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack while on duty in Queens in September.
The award goes to Captain Edgar Baez, who worked with Russo and led the effort to save her.
Other honors include nine medals for firefighters who risked their lives during a 20-story Manhattan rope rescue, bringing trapped or injured victims to safety.