Joseph Silver, FDNY Honorary First Deputy Fire Commissioner passed away early this morning (April 21, 2016) after a long series of various illnesses. He was confined to the Calvary Hospital hospice in The Bronx for the past few weeks. Joe was 88 years old and was one of the most senior of the FDNY Honorary Fire Officers, having been appointed an Honorary Deputy Chief in 1972 by former Fire Commissioner Robert Lowery. He served for many years as the Vice President & Treasurer of the Honorary Fire Officers Association, an FDNY officially recognized and affiliated organization. His son, Judge George Silver, a New York State Supreme Court Justice, also serves as an FDNY Honorary Battalion Chief and is a member of that organization. Sincere condolences to his widow Shirley, children and grandchildren, as well as his multitude of friends in the FDNY and HFOA.
The Honorary Fire Officers Association (HFOA) has been established for over 45 years and consists of members officially appointed as Honorary Fire Officers by the Fire Commissioner. There are currently 298 active members in various official ranks. President is Hon. Chief of Department Jack Lerch, assisted by Vice Presidents Hon. Deputy Commissioner Stuart Forman and Hon. Asst.Chief William Norden. The Executive Board consists of Hon. Deputy Chief Richard Berry, Hon. Deputy Chief John Davis, Hon. Deputy Chief Robert Fogarty, Hon. Chief of Operations James Griffiths, Hon. Asst. Chief Edward Kelly, and Hon. Asst. Chief Gary Urbanowicz.
The Honorary Fire Officers Association (HFOA) has been established for over 45 years and consists of members officially appointed as Honorary Fire Officers by the Fire Commissioner. There are currently 298 active members in various official ranks. President is Hon. Chief of Department Jack Lerch, assisted by Vice Presidents Hon. Deputy Commissioner Stuart Forman and Hon. Asst.Chief William Norden. The Executive Board consists of Hon. Deputy Chief Richard Berry, Hon. Deputy Chief John Davis, Hon. Deputy Chief Robert Fogarty, Hon. Chief of Operations James Griffiths, Hon. Asst. Chief Edward Kelly, and Hon. Asst. Chief Gary Urbanowicz.