NYC high school renamed in honor of firefighter killed on September 11th

EAST NEW YORK, New York (WABC) -- Nearly 15 years after the September 11th Attacks, a New York City high school was renamed on Thursday after a firefighter who died on that fateful day.

The FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety on Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York was named in honor of FDNY Captain Vernon Richard, who was in charge of Ladder Company 7 on September 11th.

"The FDNY High School is where young men and women from Brooklyn can learn the skills they need for a career of service and bravery in the FDNY," said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro. "Captain Vernon A. Richard exemplified bravery and selfless sacrifice, and now, with the school that bears his name, his memory will live on and inspire generations of future FDNY members."

Captain Richard, who was posthumously promoted, was one of 343 FDNY members who were killed during the attacks.

"We are proud to have schools across the City named after inspirational leaders and local heroes like FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard," said New York City Department of Education Chancellor Carmen Fariña. "This tribute recognizes his bravery and dedication to serving the City over the course of his lifetime as well as the enormous impact he had on the community."