Honor for
fallen firefighter

Dozens turned out this past weekend to commemorate the life of Jimmy Young, a Woodhaven firefighter who died in a blaze 16 years ago.
The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA), along with St. Thomas the Apostle Church, led the commemoration, on Saturday, March 27. The event included the hanging of a wreath at the corner of 87th Street and 88th Avenue.
Young died on March 28, 1994 while searching for people in a burning building in SoHo, in Manhattan. The blaze also claimed the lives of Captain John Drennan and firefighter Chris Siedenburg
“His was a loss that was, obviously, devastating to his family, and one admires the class and dignity in which they carry on,” said WRBA President Edward K. Wendell. “One can only imagine the contributions he would have made to Woodhaven – as a resident, a business leader, and a friend.”
“Jimmy was an amazing person,” said his sister Maureen. “He touched so many people’s lives, and it’s great that he’s still remembered and honored.”
A stretch of 87th Street – including the intersection where the ceremony was held – was renamed “Jimmy Young Place.”
Wendell noted that the WRBA intends to continue commemorating Jimmy Young Day each year.
A video of the ceremony and more photos are available at Project Woodhaven: https://www.projectwoodhaven.com/2010/March/jimmy-young.html.