The IAFF is saddened to report the February 22 death of Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) of New York Local 94 member Daniel Foley.
Foley is the 221st New York City fire fighter to die from a 9/11-related illness. The 21-year fire service veteran was 46.
He is survived by his wife, Carrie, and his children Erin, Kiera, Brianne, Kendall and Thomas. He is predeceased by his father, Thomas Foley Sr., who also died from a 9/11-related illness.
“Every time we lose a brother to a 9/11 illness, the loss seems to hit harder than the last one,” says General President Harold Schaitberger. “The IAFF extends its condolences to his fellow fire fighters, family and friends during this difficult time.”
“Brother Foley spent his life helping others, whether it was as a fire fighter, family man or friend. You could always depend on him,” says 1st District Vice President James Slevin. “We will honor him by being there for his family whenever they need us.”
Foley joined the FDNY in 1998. Three years later, his brother, Thomas, also a FDNY fire fighter, was dispatched to the World Trade Center towers on September 11. When Thomas didn’t return, Foley joined the rescue efforts determined to find his brother.
Eleven days later, after Foley found his brother, he continued to help with the rescue and recovery efforts until operations officially ended in May 2002.
Foley spent his career with the same dedication. He was cited by the fire department 10 times for bravery and received three department medals for rescues.
“I met Danny at the fire academy. In fact, we stood right next to each other at our swearing in,” says UFA Local 94 President Gerard Fitzgerald. “There is no question about what an incredible fire fighter he was. One of our best. He was also a great friend who we will all miss.”
Foley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2019. He took that challenge head-on, becoming an advocate for others who suffered from 9/11 illnesses.
In July 2019, Foley was among the IAFF members from New York City to attend the ceremony in which the president signed the bill to permanently reauthorize the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. The fund provides financial assistance to those who suffer physical harm or contract an illness as a result of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
