Unveiling launches citywide effort to replace approximately 326 green signs honoring FDNY and NYPD members who died on September 11 with distinctive red and blue signs

MASPETH, NY — New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Phil Wong today joined Council Members Joann Ariola and Shaun Abreu, FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Flynn, FDNY officials, community members, and the family of Lieutenant Kenneth J. Phelan Sr. to unveil a new red memorial street sign at the corner of 69th Lane and Eliot Avenue in Maspeth.

Lieutenant Phelan, a lifelong Maspeth resident, was killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2001. He joined the NYPD in 1981, transferred to the FDNY in 1989 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2000. At the time of his death, he was assigned to Engine Company 217 in Brooklyn.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a citywide initiative funded through a $90,000 allocation secured by Speaker Menin in conjunction with Council Members Wong, Ariola, Abreu and Oswald Feliz. Approximately 326 existing green street co-naming signs honoring FDNY and NYPD personnel who died on September 11 will be replaced with red FDNY or blue NYPD signs before the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, it is more important than ever to honor the New Yorkers who gave their lives protecting our city,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “The Council secured funding in this year’s budget to display the names of these first responders in colors representing their agencies—a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice. Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan embodied that spirit of selflessness. On September 11th, he answered the call to serve at a neighboring firehouse that was short a member, giving his life after 14 years of dedicated service to the FDNY. I was honored to join his family for this unveiling and I am grateful to Council Member Wong for hosting the first of many ceremonies that will take place over the coming weeks. We owe it to these heroes and their families to ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten.”

“Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan was a true hometown hero who dedicated his life to protecting New Yorkers and serving the community that raised him,” said Council Member Phil Wong. “This red sign will immediately tell everyone who passes this corner that it is named for an FDNY hero. I thank Speaker Menin and Council Members Ariola, Abreu and Feliz for making sure Lieutenant Phelan and hundreds of other first responders receive the special recognition their courage and sacrifice deserve.”

“Twenty-five years ago, our city was changed forever by the September 11th attacks. That day, thousands of heroic first responders rushed to the scene, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of their fellow New Yorkers,” said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. “We made the promise that we would never forget, and by co-naming streets after those whose lives were lost, we do our small part to help tell their stories for generations to come. I’m thankful to Speaker Menin and Council Member Wong for their leadership on this initiative that will honor our fallen heroes with updated signs, corresponding with the departments they proudly served.”

“These were outstanding individuals, and they deserve outstanding recognition,” said Council Member Joann Ariola. “The colors on these signs let everyone know that these were first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty. Those colors meant something very significant to these individuals and I am glad that the DOT was budgeted to give all of these heroes the respect and recognition they deserve.”

The ceremony was attended by members of Lieutenant Phelan’s family, including his widowed wife, Patricia Phelan, his son, Firefighter Kenneth Phelan Jr., and his younger brother, Battalion Chief Lenny Phelan, and other family members who have continued the family’s tradition of service in the FDNY.

Lieutenant Phelan was born and raised in Maspeth and attended Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy and Grover Cleveland High School. He remained active in his community throughout his life, including coaching generations of children in CYO basketball at Our Lady of Hope.

The remaining signs included in the initiative will be replaced throughout the five boroughs ahead of September 11, 2026.

###