Photo courtesy of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
John “Jack” Boyle (1941-2019) dedicated 30 years to the FDNY.
Born on November 25, 1941, Boyle's commitment to service began before his firefighting career. He served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Boyle became a New York City Transit Police Officer and was a founding member of the Transit Police Bagpipe Band.
Boyle joined the FDNY as a member of Ladder 102/Engine 209 in Brooklyn. His bravery was recognized in 1978 when he received the Holy Name Medal from the mayor's office for rescuing children from a fire. In 1979, he transferred to the elite Rescue 1 unit in Manhattan, where he served until his retirement in 2002. That same year, the FDNY Holy Name Society honored him as "Man of the Year" at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
As a first responder at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 attack, Boyle's dedication continued. Tragically, he passed away on August 24, 2019, at the age of 77, from severe lung damage resulting from his work at the site.
Boyle is survived by his wife, Dawn; his children, Patrick and Caitlin; and his siblings, Charles Boyle, Ruth Burke, and Mary Alice McCrann, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
On September 7, 2024, over 100 people, including members of the FDNY and the U.S. Army, attended the street co-naming ceremony in his honor. At the event, Dawn shared, "He loved his neighborhood. Never wanted to leave it, and that’s why he’s here, buried, and we’re here, and I’ll never leave here.
"Committee Report of the Infrastructure Division," The City Council of New York, June 18, 2024.
"Jack Boyle," National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Roll of Honor, accessed April 16, 2025.
Anthony Medina, "Middle Village Honors Fallen FDNY Firefighter John ‘Jack’ Boyle with Street Co-Naming," QNS, September 10, 2024.
"John 'Jack' Boyle Obituary," Papavera Funeral Home, accessed April 16, 2025.