Firefighter of the Week Dep. Fire Comm. William M. Feehan

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
August 13, 2009

“Been there, done that” probably best describes the illustrious, 42-year FDNY career of First Deputy Fire Commissioner William M. Feehan, whose life and career were cut short when he was killed on September 11, 2001, as a result of the explosion and collapse of the twin World Trade Center Towers in Manhattan.

Chief Feehan held every title within the Department, beginning as a Proby Firefighter when he was appointed on October 10, 1959. He was a Firefighter through 1963, serving in Division 3, Ladder 3 and the Bureau of Fire Prevention. And then the promotions came, from Lieutenant in 1964 to Chief of Department in 1991. Chief Feehan has served as Deputy Fire Commissioner since 1992. He briefly served as Acting Fire Commissioner in 1993-1994.

A life-long Queens resident, Chief Feehan graduated from St. John’s University in 1952. Before his appointment to the FDNY, he served in the United States Army and was decorated with the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal during the Korean War.

Chief Feehan’s wife, Elizabeth, pre-deceased him five years ago. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Feehan and Tara Davan, and sons, FF John Feehan, who is assigned to Squad Company 1, and William. Additionally, he is survived by six grandchildren–Siobhan, Kelsey, Connor, William, Virginia and Kelly.

The death of First Deputy Commissioner William M. Feehan–and with it, his experience and expertise – mark the end of an era in the New York City Fire Department.

Source: New York CityFire Department