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Remembering
Michael Curran Reilly
Fire Department of New York — New York
Classification: Career
Rank: Firefighter
Date of Death: August 27, 2006
Age: 25
Michael was born on April 3, 1981, a beautiful
spring afternoon. He was the
first child of Monica and Michael
and the first grandchild for the
Curran and Reilly families. The
tow-headed toddler with big
blue eyes loved playing with
water and digging in sand for
hours on end. Mike was a
happy child with an infectious
smile and a wonderful
sense of humor at a
very, very young age. He
had a fabulous smile and
sparkling eyes that would
dance with mischief.
Mike was a bit disappointed
when, at the age
of four, his family moved to
Ramsey, New Jersey, a suburb
on the outskirts of New
York City. He made it very
clear that he would rather live
in Brooklyn, “where the action is,”
and that someday he was going to
be a fireman.
Mike entered Ramsey High School. He was
just an ordinary kind of teenager and an “average”
student. He became actively involved with
the Ramsey Rescue Squad and the Ramsey Fire
Department, and his interest in and commitment
to these organizations never wavered. Mike became
more determined than ever to pursue his dream of
becoming a New York City firefighter. He joined
the Marines, specializing in aircraft firefighting
and pilot rescue and served seven months in Iraq,
receiving numerous medals. All the while, Mike
never lost sight of his ultimate goal. While he was
in Iraq, he received notice from the FDNY
that they wanted him. He was so thrilled
— his dream was going to come true.
Mike was determined to become
one of “the best of the best.”
Mike graduated from the
FDNY training academy on
July 6, 2006, a squad leader
and 10th in his class; that
“average” young man was
becoming a rising star.
Mike was given the assignment
he wanted— Engine
Company 75 in the Bronx,
the busiest firehouse in
NY and a very long way
from the tree-lined streets
of Ramsey.
On August 27, 2006, a
rainy Sunday afternoon,
Mike lost his life fighting a
three-alarm fire in a discount
store, when the floor collapsed
beneath him. He had only been
on the job six weeks.
In his 25 years, Mike lived his life with gusto,
accomplishing more than many do in a lifetime. At
the time of his death, Mike was doing what he truly
loved and was exactly where he wanted to be. He was
determined, driven, loyal, loving, kind, compassionate
and very giving of himself.
Michael is terribly missed by all who knew and loved
him, especially his parents, sister, and brother. We
are still realizing the profound impact he had on
the lives of others. He will always be with us, never
forgotten.