10/01/2019
Media Release:
Firefighter Patrick Joyce, Jr. Way Street Dedication
Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 2pm.
Location: New School St. & Palisade Ave., directly in front of Fire Station-1 (under construction)
On Wednesday October 2nd, the tenth anniversary of the Line of Duty Death of Firefighter Patrick Joyce, Jr., the City of Yonkers is dedicating New School Street in Southwest Yonkers as “Firefighter Patrick Joyce Way.” Firefighter Joyce, a thirty-nine year old, 16-year Yonkers Fire Department veteran, assigned to Rescue Company-1, left behind his wife, Tara, and daughters Isabella and Charlotte. At the time, Rescue-1, along with Tower Ladder 71, was quartered in Fire Station-1 on New School Street, which was later condemned. A new Fire Station-1, currently in the final stages of construction directly across the street from the old firehouse, will be opened in the coming months.
The early morning fire, at nearby 149 Waverly Street, was intentionally set in several locations within the building. While searching for occupants on the top floor, Firefighter Joyce and two Brother Yonkers Firefighters were trapped by rapidly advancing extreme fire conditions. While being burned, they were forced to jump from a window. The two Firefighters with Pat, Lieutenant Joe Murray and Firefighter Bill Kanych, survived with serious injuries.
Patrick was known as a “Fireman’s Fireman.” His Brothers at Fire Station-1 called him the Irish Prince. He was a philanthropist and a successful businessman who was dedicated to and loved serving the City of Yonkers. Nothing exemplified Patrick Joyce, Jr. more though, than his love for and dedication to his wife Tara and daughters Isabella and Charlotte.
*Active and Retired Members, their friends and family- Collation immediately following at Francey Brady’s, 71 Main Street, Yonkers
