ANDY FREDERICKS'S PARTING GIFTS: A PERSONAL REMEMBRANCE

This wonderful photo was captured during FDIC-West’s Hands On Training (H.O.T.) Program in May 2001. We were all enjoying a break when a young firefighter, who was simply intrigued by Andy’s turnouts, arranged his gear for this incredible shot. Obviously, no one realized then how meaningful this picture would become.

Andy left us with another special memory. His last published article, titled “Father’s Day,” was presented in the August 2001 issue of Fire Nuggets. The content of this article was a total departure from Andy’s engine operations theme. I remember him asking, “Hey Paul, do you mind if I do something a little different?” Naturally, he received our blessing. After all, never would we question the master! In this writing, Andy shares his personal and exhausting experience during the Queens Father’s Day fire and recovery of three fallen brothers. Andy’s message to us is emotionally charged and packed with encouraging words that may help us all deal with the tragedies we face in this most stressful profession.

Most of all, Andy touches on the importance to make time for family and never forget or be afraid to say I love you for you never know what tomorrow will bring. I know Andy loved his family and missed them when he was on the road teaching all of us. I remember us both sharing many stories about our families, and found many similarities between us. After spending time talking about our wives and kids, we would have to pull out the cell phones and call them to say, “Hi,” because we missed them so much. To Michelle, Andrew Jr. and Haley, I pray you will find a little comfort in knowing your husband and dad has impacted so many lives as a firefighter and friend; and let’s not forget all the lives he saved too! Andy along with many others are our true heroes!

I never spent too much time wondering why the picture and “Father’s Day” article came about, but I can tell you this; four months after receiving these gifts from Andy, he was gone. Why we have these memories is much more clear to me today. Andy, I know I will see you again and be honored if you save me a spot on your heavenly squad.

I love and miss you, dear brother.

Paul (Schoo) Schuller
Co-publisher, Fire Nuggets

On Sunday, June 17, 2001, a devastating fire occurred in a hardware store in the Astoria section of the Borough of Queens, New York. Three firefighters — Harry Ford, Brian Fahey, and John Downing — were trapped and died in the fire. Andrew Fredericks was among the responders and tells his emotional story in "Father's Day," his final article for Fire Nuggets, now available to members in the August-November 2001 Archives. (Return to Text)

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