LODD: FF Paul R. Brady, 42, Malverne FD

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May he rest in peace and may his family and friends find the strength to carry on.

credit: Newsday

Hundreds mourn fallen Malverne firefighter

Paul Brady had an endearing way with a pun and also helped rescuers on 9/11, say those at funeral

BY ALEJANDRO LAZO

Newsday Staff Writer

August 5, 2006

A Malverne firefighter who was crushed to death last week by a rescue truck in an on-the-job accident was remembered Friday by friends, firefighters, public figures and family members as a brave and witty compatriot who loved making the worst puns.

"He had a dry sense of humor," said John Delaratta Jr., describing his fallen friend, Paul R. Brady, while waiting outside Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Malverne in the muggy morning heat Friday. "He used to say, 'Chilly today, hot tamale.'"

Brady, who was 42 when he died Sunday morning, was performing routine maintenance on the top of a Malverne Fire Department truck when another firefighter drove the truck out of the firehouse, not knowing Brady was on top. Brady was pinned between the vehicle and a ceiling beam and died of massive injuries.

A fuller picture of Brady emerged from the testimonies of his colleagues, loved ones and officials Friday, one of a man who loved to spend his free time with friends biking, running, climbing mountains, drinking homemade microbrewed beer and tackling household projects, power drill and toolbox in hand.

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was one of 300 attending the funeral and recalled a more somber time in Brady's life.

While working as an insurance broker on the 43rd floor of the Chase Manhattan building in lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001, Brady gave the call to evacuate after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, Giuliani said. Brady then helped with rescue efforts at Ground Zero, Giuliani said.

"Paul is in that group of people that I describe as the hidden heroes of 9/11," Giuliani said. "He could have died on Sept. 11, and we could have had this funeral five years ago."

Friends described a man who cared deeply about his Irish Catholic heritage and loved his job as a firefighter. They said he was a devoted family man to his wife, brother, sisters and father.

"Tell people about Paul," fellow firefighter David Gildea told mourners, breaking into tears. "Tell stories about Paul. Think about Paul when you're down or sad, and laugh. Then say a prayer and thank Paul."

Frank Brady, Paul's older brother, said he found writing Paul's eulogy a "difficult" and "absurd" task, because "Paul was an unrepentant punster."

Indeed, some of the funeral's pallbearers -- fellow firefighters -- had mused that Paul Brady would have undoubtedly made fun of them, one of many observations that drew a sustained chuckle Friday.

The funeral Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Robert Coyle, a Navy chaplain who graduated with Brady from St. Mary's High School in Manhasset. Burial was at Locust Valley Cemetery.

"If he was here now, if he could hear my words, I would congratulate Paul for being a great man and a close friend," Coyle said.

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credit: Newsday

[sr71 1]

A Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God,

Whenever flames may rage;

Give me strength to save some life,

Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child

Before it is too late

Or save an older person

From the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert

And hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently

To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling

And to give the best in me

To guard my every neighbor

And protect his property.

And if, according to my fate,

I am to lose my life,

Please bless with your protecting

My children and my wife.

- Author Unknown