Park Slope Firefighter Added To 9/11 Memorial Wall

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — A firefighter formerly based at a Park Slope fire station had his name added to the Fire Department's World Trade Center Memorial Wall this week, eight years after he died from an illness stemming from the September 11 attacks.

Owen Thomas Carlock was based at Engine 220/Ladder 122 on 11th Street during his 23-year career with the department, which spanned from 1981 to 2004, according to his obituary.

The Brooklyn native's family said being a New York City firefighter was Carlock's true calling. He would also serve with Rescue 5 in Staten Island, where he lived before settling in New Jersey. Carlock died in 2012.

"His dedication and bravery during the tragedy earned him the honorary keys to the city from the Town of Dunn, N.C.," his family wrote. "While Owen had received many awards and honors, he would be the first to say he was just doing his duty to protect those in harm's way."

Carlock was one of 27 names FDNY added this week to the memorial wall for those who died from illnesses relating to their work in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the 2001 attacks.

The ceremony took place at the FDNY headquarters in downtown Brooklyn, and was the first time the memorial wall was expanded since it was first installed in 2011.

At least 226 FDNY employees have died from illnesses related to the 9/11 attacks, the FDNY said. Adverse health effects from the toxic dust released when the World Trade Center towers collapsed have included several types of cancer, asthma, respiratory disease and pulmonary disease, as well as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Our Department made a solemn promise to never forget the bravery and sacrifice of the 343 members who gave their lives on September 11th, and the growing list of heroes who have died due to illnesses related to their courageous work throughout the rescue and recovery effort," Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said in a statement.

"Though we are unable to join in person this year to remember these 27 extraordinary individuals, we still pause to honor that promise by ensuring their memory lives on with their inclusion on our World Trade Center memorial wall."

Patch reporter Nick Garber contributed to this report.