Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City) went before the U.S. House of Representatives in support of her bill H.R. 1833, which would rename the Floral Park Post Office in honor of FDNY firefighter and Floral Park resident Michael Davidson.
Davidson was killed after responding to a five-alarm fire in a Harlem building that was being used as a movie set for an upcoming Ed Norton and Bruce Willis film Motherless Brooklyn.
“My district on Long Island has a long and proud tradition of service in the New York City Fire Department,” said Rice. “For generations, young men and women from New York’s Fourth Congressional District have joined the FDNY following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents. They choose a life of service and sacrifice, and dedicate their lives to protect others. Lieutenant Michael Davidson was a part of that tradition.”
Davidson joined the FDNY in May of 2003 and was assigned to Engine Company 69 in Harlem. On the night of his death on March 22, 2018, he responded to a blaze in a basement of a five-story building on St. Nicholas Avenue and West 149th Street. According to fire officials at the time, Davidson was assigned to the nozzle and became separated from his group inside the building. He was later found unconscious from severe smoke inhalation and was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries leaving, behind his wife and four young children.
“Michael had the opportunity to serve side-by-side with his father Robert, who spent most of his 26 year career at that same firehouse,” Rice explained. “Michael was known for his bravery and his life saving actions. He received four citations for valor during his career. As a nozzle man, he fought fires from the front of the hose and was often the first sent into burning buildings.”
Davidson’s death was an unshakable loss for the FDNY, Engine Company 69, for Floral Park, but for most of all, his family and friends.
“This bill is not just about honoring a fallen hero, but it’s also about honoring a respected member of our community, a beloved neighbor and above all a devoted husband to his wife Eileen and a loving father of four young children,” said Rice. “Renaming our post office in Floral Park will ensure that Lieutenant Davidson’s treasured memory is always in our hearts and minds, and that his service and sacrifice are never forgotten. I strongly urge our colleagues to join me in honoring a hero in supporting H.R. 1833.”
In April, Davidson was honored during a special ceremony in Harlem at the Engine Company 69 firehouse with a plaque, which hangs proudly inside the firehouse.
“Lieutenant Michael Davidson died as he lived; as a hero,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio during the dedication ceremony. “He was a hero that devoted every fiber in his being in helping others, to protecting others and protecting this city that he loved. Today, everyone is gathered here as a solemn task of carrying on his memory, and we do that today with a full heart.”
Now that the bill is passed by the House, it will be sent to the Senate immediately for its vote and then to the President Trump’s desk for his signature. The Village of Floral Park will keep residents updated as to when the renaming ceremony will take place to honor Davidson.
