Officials unveil the new road sign.
More than three years after Philadelphia Firefighter Daniel Sweeney perished while battling a five-alarm inferno at an abandoned Kensington warehouse, people still remember him as a hero — a credit to his department, his family and his community.
In fact, the folks in Fox Chase are still finding new ways to memorialize their hometown boy, who was just 25 on April 9, 2012, the day a brick wall crumbled on top of Sweeney and Lt. Robert Neary as they doused remnants of the blaze inside a neighboring furniture store.
Last Thursday, public officials led by state Rep. Kevin Boyle joined Sweeney’s parents, members of the fire department and dozens of Fox Chase residents at the local firehouse, Engine 56, to dedicate a street in Sweeney’s name. Verree Road from Kendrick Street to Rhawn Street will be known as the Firefighter Daniel Sweeney Memorial Highway.
“Dan’s memory is with us,” said Deputy Fire Commissioner Robert Corrigan. “It’s in every response this department makes. It’s Dan’s memory that sustains us.”
Corrigan, who represented Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer at the ceremony, has close ties to the Sweeneys. He knew young Dan personally and previously worked closely with his father, Dave Sweeney, a retired fire captain. Also, Corrigan’s son attends Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote. That’s Dan Sweeney’s alma mater and where his mom, Marian Sweeney, still teaches.
A photo of Dan Sweeney hangs prominently on a wall in the school, serving as a role model for students.
“It often happens in our profession that sons follow in their fathers’ footsteps,” Corrigan said. “(Dan Sweeney) served with honor, bravery and dedication.”
Boyle, who sponsored the bill in the state legislature to establish the memorial highway, agreed.
“Our Philadelphia firefighters, our police officers consistently take risks with their lives every day,” said Boyle, who lives in Fox Chase and represents much of the neighborhood in Harrisburg. “Not only was Firefighter Daniel Sweeney a risk-taker and a hero, he was a great young lad.”
Before his six-year firefighting career and his time at McDevitt, Sweeney graduated from St. Cecilia Parish School in his neighborhood and made a name for himself with the Fox Chase Soccer Club, among other activities.
He’s still making a name for himself. At the Fox Chase Recreation Center, a refurbished baseball field bears his name, as does an annual charity softball tournament. In Kensington, a mural covering the side of a building bears renderings of him and Neary, while both of their names are etched in a plaque hanging at Ladder 10, the unit in which they both served.
At last week’s dedication ceremony, public officials unveiled green road signs that will mark the memorial roadway. Officials made an extra one that they gave to the Sweeney parents. Members of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums played and representatives from a local grieving support group recited a poem. An aide to Gov. Tom Wolf gave the Sweeneys a citation from her boss’ desk.
“What distinguishes people who wear the uniform is they leave home in the morning and never know if they will come back,” City Councilman Brian O’Neill said. “They know that and they still go.”
“He led by example and he was very proud of his father,” said state Sen. Christine Tartaglione. “I can’t express in words what it means that Dan gave his life in order that ours may be saved.” ••
Bagpipers played at the beginning and end of the ceremony.
In loving memory: Elected officials and firefighters held a ceremony dedicating a section of Verree Road in Fox Chase to fallen Firefighter Daniel Sweeney. Pictured, Deputy Comm. Robert Corrigan comforts Sweeney’s mom, Marian. MARIA POUCHNIKOVA / TIMES PHOTOS
