Holtsville Firefighter Josef Welenofsky to be Honored

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.