For as long as I can remember, I loved to draw and paint pictures and eventually became a Fine Arts major in college, graduating from St.John's University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I also had a desire to carry on my family's tradition in the New York City Fire Department, so in pursuit of that passion, I took the tests and was sworn into the Department in July of 1981.

My great grandfather, Battalion Chief John J. Bresnan was a truly dedicated man who served in the New York City Fire Department in the 1800's. He was an inventor and among his many inventions was the Bresnan distributor, the hose roller and a harness for the horses that was designed to facilitate faster response times during those days.
He was passionate about making improvements to the fire service and enhancing safety for the citizens.

Sadly, he was killed in a building collapse at a warehouse fire in Manhattan on a freezing cold night in late December of 1894, leaving behind three young children and an entire city who mourned his loss. Little did he know that generations after him would serve the department and the city he loved. My grandfather, father, uncle, brother and two cousins all proudly served in the F.D.N.Y.

It certainly was a privilege to be part of the New York City Fire Department. This is a special brotherhood. I met great men, real heroes who carried themselves in a humble way. I also met great leaders, knowledgeable and aggressive officers of all ranks. Despite all the tragedy I have seen over the years, I am grateful to have witnessed humanity at its best.

I retired on July 25, 2001, less than two months before the attack on the Trade Center in which fourteen men from my firehouse were killed. I knew many of the men who perished, but get peace from believing that there is a power much greater than ourselves that will triumph over whatever evils life can dish out.

	Medal Day - June 1994
	President Clinton's Arrival at South St. Heliport.