Honorees

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Year Honored
2006
Honoree
Felix Hernandez, Jr.
Agency
New York City Fire Department - Bureau of EMS
Agency City
Brooklyn
Agency State
NY
Last Call
10/23/05
Cause of Death
Victim of Violence *
Biography
When the Twin Towers collapsed from a terrorist attack, many rescue teams emerged on the site to help. They came because it was their duty to help administer care to rescued people. Instead, hour after hour, they too became part of the rescue effort. During the early hours many rescuers unknowingly breathed a deadly dust, which has now started claiming the lives of some of these rescue workers.<br /> <br /> Felix Hernandez Jr, 31, died in the line of duty on October 23, 2005. He lost his fight for life from complications of toxic exposure suffered at the site of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.<br /> <br /> Mr. Hernandez was an emergency medical worker with the New York Fire Department, EMS Division, Station 17. The station was known as "the little house with the big heart." This was partly due to the gentle man who gave so much to others, the man known as "Happy Felix."<br /> <br /> "No matter how down you were, when Felix was around you couldn't help but smile," said Lt. Regina Pellegrino, also of Station 17. "This effort is a true reflection of his life of service." Ms. Pell was speaking of the partnership with the Ogden Avenue Residence, special needs home for adults, adopted by the station to honor the fallen rescuer.<br /> <br /> Mr. Hernandez, who made his home in Brooklyn, New York, left his job in 2004 after he lost his ability to climb stairs.<br /> <br /> Honored 2006