William M. Feehan‚ 71‚ first deputy fire commissioner‚ FDNY. A 42-year FDNY veteran‚ he held almost every title within the FDNY. He had served as first deputy fire commissioner since 1992 and briefly held the post of acting fire commissioner in 1993-94. Feehan graduated with a degree in education from St. John’s University and worked for 10 years as a substitute in the New York City schools. Before joining the FDNY‚ he served in the U.S. Army and received many medals for his service during the Korean War. A father of four‚ one of his sons is a member of the FDNY. Feehan enjoyed reading‚ especially books on history‚ and spending time with his six grandchildren.
I participated in the 2017 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field, (Green Bay, WI). I am a 30-yr veteran of the USAF and must say this was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I was in Germany as I watched in disbelief as the flight crashed into the Twin Towers. The emotional heaviness I carried during the Memorial Climb paled in comparison to the physical burden and sense of urgency the Firefighters may have experienced as they raced toward the Twin towers and climbed the stairs to rescue people. I was honored to climb for your father and grandpa. Today, his picture is hanging in my office cubicle where I see it everyday and my colleagues. Mr. Feehan will forever be part of my life and will be reminded constantly especially during this football season as I watch games unfold at Lambeau Field and recall the Memorial Stair Climb there and the sacrifice made by Mr. Feehan.
– Mike AllenJoined the FDNY the same day as Bill Feehan, Class of October 10, 1959. I was not assigned company for months as there were so many retirements of those who joined in late 1930’s. Went to ladder school in yard behind ladder 16 east 67 street then on to welfare island training.
– ANTHONY MARGRAFI participated in the 2021 9/11 stair climb in Farmington, NM. I served 4 years in the U.S Army. I remember being a kid seeing the towers come down. Climbing these stairs was the one of the more challenging things I’ve done in life. All I could think of is if his man could do it so could I. It was an honor to have participated in this, I look forward to continuing this yearly.
– Ellisa BegayI participated in the 2023 9/11 Tri-Cites Memorial Stair Climb at Bristol Speedway.. It was an honor to walk for William M. Feehan and remember all that he gave!!! He dedicated his life to helping others. That day should never be forgotten and neither should any of the first responders. This will become an annual event for my family and I.
– Barbara