Albany, NY – In a moving and powerful display of reverence, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon joined hundreds of families, firefighters, and state officials today for the 28th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The ceremony honored 127 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, a solemn reminder of the extraordinary courage, devotion, and sacrifice that define the fire service.

Among the honored were three beloved members of the Mohawk Valley including: Chief Russell E. Brooks II of the Utica Fire Department, Assistant Chief Nicholas J. Morosco of the Yorkville Fire Department, and Lieutenant Larry E. Zeigler, all remembered not only for their bravery but for the profound love they had for their communities.

“Today we etched more than just names into a wall, we etched legacies into the soul of our state,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “These are not simply fallen firefighters. They are fathers, brothers, mentors, and protectors. Their lives were lived in service of others, and their memory will forever stand as a beacon of what it means to live with purpose and courage.”

Chief Russell E. Brooks II: A Lifetime of Service, A Legacy of Leadership

A lifelong Utican, Marine Corps veteran, and dedicated public servant, Chief Russell Brooks served more than 43 years with the Utica Fire Department, 13 of them as Chief. His impact extended far beyond fire calls and station walls. He helped establish the Utica Fire Academy, launched the city’s ambulance service, and was instrumental in responding to the tragedy of 9/11 with 11 of his fellow Utica firefighters. Chief Brooks was a community leader, a devout Catholic, and a proud Irishman, leaving behind not only a city forever shaped by his leadership but a family and community who adored him.

“Chief Brooks wasn’t just a firefighter. He was the heart of Utica,” said Buttenschon. “He showed us what a lifetime of giving back looks like, not for recognition, but because that’s who he was. His courage, kindness, and commitment to public service left a lasting imprint on the fabric of our region.”

Assistant Chief Nicholas J. Morosco: Born into Service, Remembered as a Hero

From the time he was a young boy sitting on the bumper of a fire truck, Nick Morosco knew he was born to serve. At just 16, he became Yorkville Fire Department’s first junior firefighter, eventually rising to the rank of Assistant Chief, “Car 2”, before being posthumously promoted to Chief. Nick was a certified EMT, Fire Instructor, and Investigator who poured his heart into mentoring young firefighters, building fire apparatus, and protecting his hometown.

“Nick’s entire life was a love letter to the fire service,” said Buttenschon. “He embodied service, family, and unwavering dedication to the community. His legacy will live on in every call responded to by a Yorkville firefighter, every young person inspired by his passion, and every life he touched through selfless service.”

Lieutenant Larry E. Zeigler: A Lifetime of Quiet Service and Compassionate Dedication

Also honored during the ceremony was Larry Edward Zeigler of the Boonville Fire Department, a beloved Oneida County firefighter whose life embodied humility, compassion, and community spirit. A lifelong resident of Boonville, Larry proudly served both his nation and his neighbors, with decades of service as a firefighter, ambulance driver, and Lieutenant within the Boonville Fire Department. Known for his kindness and steadfast presence, he continued answering calls and helping others right up until his final days.

“Larry Zeigler’s life was defined by service,” said Buttenschon. “He was the kind of person who quietly made the world a better place, someone who showed up, who cared deeply for his family, his department, and his community. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his example will continue to inspire generations of firefighters in the Mohawk Valley.”

As the ceremonial bell tolled and the names of the fallen echoed through the Empire State Plaza, Assemblywoman Buttenschon stood alongside families, grieving firehouses, and state leaders to honor the sacrifice of all 127 heroes.

“To every family mourning the loss of a firefighter today, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt condolences,” said Buttenschon. “Your loved ones were the best of us. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their names, now etched in stone, will live forever in the heart of New York.”