Rare courage: Fallen FDNY lieutenant honored in Harlem

A fallen FDNY lieutenant from Floral Park was honored during a special ceremony in Harlem Saturday, marking one year since his death in the line of duty.
News 12 reported that Lt. Michael Davidson, 37, a 15-year veteran of the FDNY and a married father of four, was on the front line of a five-alarm fire that broke out in the basement of a Harlem building being used to film a movie.
Fire officials said Davidson became separated from the group, and was found unconscious from severe smoke inhalation. He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
It was standing room only at the Engine Company 69 firehouse where his wife, Eileen, Mayor Bill de Blasio and FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro spoke about the veteran firefighter.
“He was not one to shy away from danger,” said Mayor de Blasio. “He believed he was called to it. That kind of courage is rare.”
A plaque honoring Davidson’s memory was unveiled and will eventually hang in the firehouse.
“When the new guys come into this firehouse and see that plaque and they ask who is Mike Davidson, I will tell them, ‘He's the best fireman I ever knew,’” says Peter Discoll, a fellow firefighter and friend.