#FDNY commissioner urges first responders to skip 9/11 anniversary events

Fire commissioner Daniel Nigro is urging first responders to skip 9/11 anniversary events this year due to COVID-19 — outraging firefighters hoping to honor their 353 brethren killed in the WTC attacks.

“FDNY has gone from ‘never forget’ to ‘forget about it,’” a department member complained.

Nigro issued the stunning directive in an internal order last week.

“From a health and safety perspective, the FDNY strongly recommends that our members forego participating in 9/11 gatherings and events this year,” Nigro states.

“During these difficult times, the department acknowledges our members’ commitment to never forget those we lost on that fateful day. At the same time, we must balance that with our obligation to keep our current and former members, and their families, healthy and safe from the ever-looming threat of the COVID-19 virus.”

For those who do go to or organize 9/11 gatherings, Nigro sets out rules — nothing indoors, and any outdoor events must not have more than 50 people or last more than two hours.

In addition, face coverings are mandatory for all in attendance and social distancing of at least six feet between participants must be maintained. An adequate supply of hand sanitizer also must be provided.

All events must be approved by a borough commander or bureau chief, the order states.

The restriction on outdoor events will likely bar the Bravest from attending two major ceremonies planned on September 11 at or near Ground Zero to mark the 19th anniversary.

One will take place at the 9/11 Memorial plaza with pre-recorded audio of 9/11 family members reading names of lost loved ones.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation plans a simultaneous ceremony with live name readings next to Zuccotti Park and the FDNY’s “Ten House,” Engine 10/Ladder 10, on Liberty Street, a short walk from Ground Zero.

Both events will require masks and social distancing.

Because of those safety measures, Nigro’s restrictions surprised FDNY retired Lt. Jim McCaffrey, whose brother-in-law, Battalion Chief Orio Palmer, was killed on 9/11.

“Of all days — not 9/11,” McCaffrey told The Post. ”People need to get together and commemorate the sacrifice exhibited that day. If we don’t do it this year, it may not happen next year — and that would be shameful.”

The FDNY, which also includes EMS, traditionally holds many 9/11 ceremonies, including one inside its Brooklyn headquarters. Others are held outdoors at training sites, the Fire Academy, Firemen’s Monument on Riverside Drive and 100th Street, and the Tribute Wall at Engine 10 / Ladder 10. Family members are welcome.

The FDNY has lost 11 employees who perished from COVID, including four Emergency Medical Technicians and three fire inspectors.

Spokesman Frank Dwyer declined to comment on Nigro’s directive. “The order speaks for itself and gives guidelines for the health and safety of members,” he said.

But outrage in the rank and file is simmering.

Some first responders say the city permitted massive street protests after the George Floyd killing, yet now it is urging firefighters against gathering in a large outdoor group for 9/11.

“Mourning and honoring our friends who were murdered isn’t allowed to have over 50 people attend at one place but peaceful protesting, painting streets and occasional property destruction by those who don’t peacefully protest is allowed,” a firefighter posted on an FDNY message board.