New York’s Bravest unveiled a plaque on Monday commemorating fellow firefighter Steve Pollard, who tragically fell to his death in the line of duty one year earlier.
Firefighters were joined at the Canarsie Firehouse by Mayor Bill De Blasio and Fire Department Commissioner Daniel Nigro, who both spoke of the Marine Park native’s extraordinary dedication to protecting his fellow New Yorkers.
“Steven Pollard did something above and beyond, and he needs to be remembered in the history of this city,” De Blasio said. “The plaque is to honor what made him extraordinary, and it’s not just his sacrifice, it’s what led him to be a member of this department to begin with and what kind of man he was, and what kind of firefighter he was.”
The plaque — which will live at the Canarsie’s Ladder Company 170, where Pollard served — is engraved with a tribute to the young firefighter’s life.
“Dedicated to the memory of Firefighter Steven H. Pollard Ladder Company 170 who made the supreme sacrifice while in the performance of duty operating at Brooklyn Box 8628,” reads the plaque.
The 30-year-old first responder died on Jan. 6, 2019 when he fell 52 feet between a three-foot gap separating opposing traffic lanes on the Mill Basin Bridge while trying to rescue a victim from a car crash.
“Steven was a brave young man who was totally focused on living a life of service. He knew he could make a difference in people’s lives,” said Nigro. “He stood out amongst his peers, he was an extraordinary young man, and that’s how he will always be remembered.”
