Holtsville Firefighter Josef Welenofsky to be Honored
One of 10 firefighters from New York to be honored this weekend.
Josef Welenofsky, a longtime member of the Holtsville Fire Department, who died within 24 hours of responding to a motor vehicle accident in January 2007, is one of 10 firefighters from New York being honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial this weekend.
The 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. on October 15-16.
According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), a bronze plaque containing Weleonfsky’s name will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
"Firefighters are called upon to face danger on a daily basis," said Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors, Chief Dennis Compton, in a statement. "In October, a grateful Nation will honor their dedication and remember their sacrifice. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend brings their loved ones and the fire service together to let their families, coworkers, and friends know that they will never be forgotten."
Welenofsky was 46 when he died and worked as a janitor at Waverly Avenue Elementary School in Holtsville for many years and Sequoya Middle School at the time of his death.
Ruiyi Wang
9:22 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
he was working at sequoya at the time
elise robinson
6:11 pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2011
He was a great guy came to all Waverly and Sequoya events.
Marnin Lack
8:19 am on Thursday, October 13, 2011
Josef and I go back many years. He was in my first class at Waverly Ave School. A kinder and more caring soul would be difficult to find. He was always there to lend a helping hand.
Forever Holtsville
9:06 am on Thursday, October 13, 2011
I miss Joey. I said at his wake, WWJD.. What would Joey Do? He was such a kind and caring guy. Always stood up for the right thing to do. Dedicated to his family, friends, and the Holtsville Fire Department. I met him when he was only a little baby. His sister and brother, Anna and Artie, miss him more and more each day. He was a great example to all the kids in the schools he worked in. As Marnin Lack said, you needed him, he's there. Many a winter I would have been snowed in if it were not for Joey and his truck plowing me out. Love you and Miss you Joey..
Renee Freeman
8:34 pm on Sunday, October 16, 2011
My husband & I often remember his cousin Joey with nothing but the fondest memories - It is such a great thing this dedication to a young man taken too soon !