First Deputy Commissioner William Feehan Formerly 23rd Chief of
Department Laid to Rest on September 15, 2001 "Been there, done
that" probably best describes the illustrious, 42-year FDNY career
of First Deputy Fire Commissioner William M. Feehan, whose life
and career were cut short when he was killed on September 11,
2001, as a result of the explosion and collapse of the twin World
Trade Center Towers in Manhattan. Chief Feehan held every title
within the Department, beginning as a Proby Firefighter when he
was appointed on October 10, 1959. He was a Firefighter through
1963, serving in Division 3, Ladder 3 and the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
And then the promotions came, from Lieutenant in 1964 to Chief
of Department in 1991. Chief Feehan has served as Deputy Fire
Commissioner since 1992. He briefly served as Acting Fire Commissioner
in 1993-1994. A life-long Queens resident, Chief Feehan graduated
from St. John's University in 1952. Before his appointment to
the FDNY, he served in the United States Army and was decorated
with the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, UN Service
Medal and National Defense Service Medal during the Korean War.
Chief Feehan's wife, Elizabeth, pre-deceased him five years ago.
He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Feehan and Tara Davan,
and sons, FF John Feehan, who is assigned to Squad Company 1,
and William. Additionally, he is survived by six grandchildren--Siobhan,
Kelsey, Connor, William, Virginia and Kelly. The death of First
Deputy Commissioner William M. Feehan--and with it, his experience
and expertise - mark the end of an era in the New York City Fire
Department.
Back
to William's Home Page