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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Roll of Honor

Captain
Age: 43
Year of Death: 2001

Daniel J. Brethel

Danny was born a fireman. This was all he ever wanted to be and he always said he was living his dream. He was very dedicated and loved his job and those he worked with. Danny was even more dedicated to his family. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his girls‚ Kristin and Meghan. He was so proud of their accomplishments. One of Danny’s greatest joys was taking his family out on his boat for a day of swimming and exploring. Danny lived his life to the fullest. He was the heart and soul of our family and we miss him terribly.

Memorial Posts

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Memorial Wall

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  1. Yesterday I participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair climb at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI. I was handed Danny’s badge at the beginning of the climb. Although the climb was difficult for me (2 total knee replacements 3 yrs ago), I kept thinking of how difficult of day it must have been for Danny and all the other firefighters and medical personnel. It was and incredible honor to climb because he climbed. I was truly blessed on this day. My prayers are for his family that they find peace and comfort in knowing how grateful I am for his service. God bless!

    – "Mikey" Van Dyke
  2. 2017 was my first year of volunteering to participate in the 9/11 stair climb- Green Bay, WI. It was my honor to walk in honor of Daniel! I pushed myself all that I could as we know Daniel pushed all he could for us. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Daniel.

    – Nicole Schingeck
  3. I carried Daniels name on a stair climb 5 years ago in Sacramento Ca. Tonight I visited the memorial for the first time. I am overcome with emotion and respect for a man who gave his life to the service of the people. Although we’ve never met, I feel a connection with this man, and an admiration for him. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and may the lord beseech the anguish that is solemnly theirs. My love, and respect.

    Jordan Motta
    CAL FIRE

    – Jordan Motta
  4. Today I had the honor to carry a tag with Capt Brethel’s photo on my chest. A true American hero. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family for the rest of my life. May his wife and daughters know how grateful we are that Daniel sacrificed his life for us and unfortunately making the ultimate sacrifice. God bless the Bethel family.

    – Ethan Wolff
  5. Wilmington NC. 343 Memorial Ride 2018. Received Capt.Daniel Brethel’s dog tag and pin today. I will carry it with me on my motorcycle from this day forward. I will Never Forget and am Honored to carry his name with me.

    – Pam Palmer
  6. I worked with Danny at Sears in Hicksville when he was just a kid. He always had the biggest smile and a kind word for everyone. He was a volunteer Fireman in East Meadow at the time with the goal of becoming FDNY. I know he died doing what he loved, helping others

    – Maryellen Grassini
  7. Today I got to read Danny’s name and ring the bell for him at my school. My dream is to be a firefighter! I wasn’t born until 10 years after he passed.

    – Ryan Wallace
  8. I wish I were able to add a photo. Today during the 20th anniversary ceremony, I heard something that jumped out at me. My family and I vacationed in NYC 3 years ago. I am a photographer, and took what I thought was just an ordinary photo. It was Ladder 24 driving by. I would love to make it into a poster to send to the family. My condolences to the family.

    – Lloyd Williams Jr
  9. 20 years and we still remember. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all. Your actions were courageous and selfless. You are a hero in every sense of the word, we will never forget.

    – Maria Greco
  10. Today I had the honor of participating in Charleston memorial stair climb. I got the privilege of wearing Daniel Brethel name around my neck. I will always remember. Good bless his family and all members that lost Thier lives.

    – Vicki G.
  11. Ran today with Tunnel to Towers in McDonough Georgia. I had on Captain Brethel’s badge. Honored to do it. May we never forget. Prayers for his family and for the brothers/sisters at the FDNY

    – Brandon Smith
  12. Today, I had the honor to climb 110 floors with Cpt. Brethel’s name on my helmet. The stair climb took place in Nashville, TN. It was hot and miserable but incomparable to what the 343 endured.

    – Frank Hammond
  13. On September 9, 2023 I climbed in memory of Daniel in the CNY Stairclimb in Utica, NY. It was an honor and privilege to bring light to his name and the sacrifice he made for his fellow man. He will always be an inspiration to me as a fireman, and man. He is a hero and will never be forgotten.

    – Brian Fontaine