Updated: Aug. 21, 2024, 2:31 p.m. | Published: Aug. 21, 2024, 12:33 p.m.
By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A dedicated NYFD firefighter, who was a loving father, husband, neighbor and friend, was memorialized Saturday during a street co-naming ceremony at the corner of Lyndale Avenue and Koch Boulevard in the South Shore town of Eltingville.
It was an emotional day for more than 100 in attendance to pay tribute to FDNY Lt. James J. Winters, including City Councilman Joseph Borelli, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, and representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Mike Tannousis, Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon, and FDNY unions.
Also present were local firefighters from Squad 8, Engine Company 162, Ladder 82, Engine Company 164, Ladder 84, Battalion 23, and Engine Company 165.
Theresa Winters, Winters’ daughter, noted: “James was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and lieutenant at Engine 278. He was there for his family, friends, and neighbors on Lyndale Avenue for 52 years. The Winters family is honored and grateful that his name will live on Lyndale Avenue forever.”
“Lt. Winters was a man who worked tirelessly to provide a good life for his family and to provide aid to his neighbors in need for over 40 years with the FDNY,” Borelli said. “As we approach the 23rd anniversary of September 11th, 2001, we are reminded of all the brave souls who ran into the unknown on that faithful day. Some unfortunately never returned and sadly, others we continue to lose today. This street sign serves as a reminder and a marker that a great member of our community lived here, and I hope anyone passing by will look up who Lt. Winters was and see why he has been given this great honor.”
A LITTLE ABOUT LT. WINTERS
Born on Feb. 23, 1938 in Brooklyn to John and Mary Winters. Winters and his wife, Joanne, moved to Eltingville where they lived for 52 years and raised four children, Theresa, MaryJo, Donna, and Jimmy.
An athlete, Winters was a volleyball player and ping pong champion, who loved to play softball with Engine 278.
Having served more than 41 years with the New York City Fire Department, Winters made a tremendous impact on his local community and New York City.
He served in a leadership capacity as a lieutenant for 25 years, where he was known by his “brothers” in the department for his punctuality, steady hand, and lightning speed.
Toward the end of his career, Winters was one of many first responders who reported to the site of the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks on 9/11.
It led to his untimely death. Winters died on April 11, 2021 due to a 9/11 related illness.
He is survived by his wife Joanne, their four children, his son-in-law Phil, daughter-in-law Brianne, his six grandchildren, Christina, Nicholas, Sabrina, Carl, Sierra, and Jody, his siblings, Mary, John and Matthew, his nieces and nephews and countless other family members and friends.
Lt. Joe LaPointe and the FDNY Ceremonial made the day possible.