Medal renamed for Chief of Department killed in 9/11
FirefighterNation Staff
NEW YORK – In a department order released on Tuesday, FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro and Chief of Department John Sudnik announced the renaming of the department’s highest medal of valor.
The James Gordon Bennett Medal, endowed in 1869, is renamed the Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr. Medal in honor of Chief Ganci who was the highest ranking uniformed member of the department killed in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.
Commissioner Nigro stated the the change was due to Bennett’s “abhorrent and hateful views in full support of slavery.”
The order goes on to state that Bennett’s views have no place in society and the department “must cease from including this individual’s name,” in the annual ceremony.
