On April 24, 2024, 33-year veteran of the FDNY, Steven G. Radich, passed away from September 11th-related cancer, surrounded by his family.

Steven was born in the Bronx but spent his childhood living in Rockland County, New York.

Following his high school graduation, he immediately applied for civil service jobs across New York City, following in the footsteps of his father, who was an NYPD police officer for 30 years in the Bronx. Steven was hired by the FDNY and assigned to Engine 97 in the Bronx, where he spent the first third of his career. After several injuries, he was assigned to light duty at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island, where he was then reassigned to the Mask Service Unit for the remainder of his career. The Mask Service Unit was Steven’s home away from home. Although Mask Service Unit was work, he more often referred to it as the Hotel California, where “you can check out, but you can never leave.” Steven retired from the FDNY in 2018 to travel and spend more time with his kids, grandkids, and his girlfriend.

Outside of work, Steven had a passion for landscaping, and for many years his second job was installing patios and lawn irrigation systems. He applied his skills by keeping his home in beautiful shape and spreading all his knowledge to anyone who would ask. Steven also had a passion for food and never met a meal he didn’t enjoy. He was commonly the chef both at the firehouse and home, often taking photos of the food he had labored over. Steven loved American and presidential history, as well as reading. He was a lifelong New York Rangers fan who loved attending Madison Square Garden for games. Although he rarely showed it, Steven was very musically inclined and played the clarinet, piano, and accordion.

Steven was caring, loving, and full of laughter. While Steven presented a tough, courageous facade, nothing made him weaker than his grandchildren, who had him wrapped around their fingers. There was nothing he was prouder of than the success of his children. He is missed every day by many, including his two sons, Joseph and Derek; his grandkids, Gabby, Mila, and Connor; and his girlfriend, Jasmine.

Steve’s larger than life physical and personal presence is gone but never forgotten.