Reps. Dennis O’Brien (R-Philadelphia) and Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia) introduced two resolutions this week in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in honor of firefighters who have lost their lives and their survivors.   

A resolution declaring the week of June 6-12 as “Fallen Firefighters Survivors Week” in Pennsylvania and June 12 as “Fallen Firefighters Survivors Day” was passed unanimously.   

“Firefighters bravely put their lives at risk with each response to duty,” said O’Brien.  “We can honor those who made such a tremendous sacrifice by recognizing their courage and supporting those they have left behind.”

"These resolutions are meant to honor fallen first responders and their families," Boyle said. "We are forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made in order to serve and protect us all."

Also passing unanimously was a condolence resolution introduced by O’Brien to honor Captain Lawrence J. McDonald.  McDonald was a retired captain of the Philadelphia Fire Department who tragically passed away in April.

“Lawrence McDonald served the City of Philadelphia for 31 years,” said O’Brien.  “The list of his accomplishments with the department is endless and it is a privilege to bring recognition to his life.”

"Larry suffered a heartbreaking tragedy when his son, police Sgt. Patrick McDonald, was killed in the line of duty. But Larry took his personal tragedy and turned it into a cause," Boyle said. "He fought passionately to reform our parole laws and make our streets safer."

Captain McDonald was a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of Firefighters Local 22, A.O.H. Division 39 and the Elks of North Wildwood.  He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and their daughter, Megan.

Rep. Dennis O’Brien
169th District
Contact:  Nina Arce

 (717) 260-6375

Rep. Brendan Boyle

170th District

Contact:  Ashley Conjar

(717) 787-7895

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 27, 2010