Two of our brother firefighters from the Philadelphia Fire Department passed away during a 5 alarm warehousefire in the Kensington section of the city on Monday morning. Both firefighters were respected members of the fire department and had been commended for a long list of rescues over the years, Ayers said.

Lieutenant Neary, a 37-year veteran of the fire department, served in the Army reserves from 1972 to 1982 and worked as a police officer before joining the fire department. He is survived by his wife, two grown sons and a grown daughter. He was a mentor to young firefighters like Sweeney and had great instincts while fighting fires, said Timothy McShea, vice president of the firefighters union. "He was just a great guy, knew the job very well," McShea said. "He's like one of these old-school guys. They just have a second sense about them."

Firefighter Sweeney, who was single, is survived by his parents. His father is recently retired fire Capt. David Sweeney. McShea called him "a good young lad." "Danny was a young, aggressive firefighter," he said.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately determined.

The funeral services are as follows:

Lieutenant Robert Neary

VIEWING AND MEMORIAL
Friday, April 13, 2012
4:00 p.m.
Givinish Funeral Home
10975 Academy Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

ADDITIONAL VIEWING:
Saturday, April 14, 2012
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Givnish Funeral Home
10975 Academy Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

INTERMENT:
Private

Firefighter Daniel Sweeney

VIEWING:
Friday, April 13, 2012
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m

St. Cecilia's Church
535 Rhawn Street
Philadelphia, PA 19111

Saturday, April 14, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
St. Cecilia's Church

SERVICE:
Saturday, April 14, 2012
11:00 a.m.
St. Cecilia's Church
535 Rhawn Street
Philadelphia, PA 19111

INTERMENT:
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Immediately following the Service
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
4001 W. Cheltenham Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

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Thanks

It is with deepest sympathy to report the passing of one of our retired members, Donald G. Clark. The Viewing will be held on Tuesday March 20, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 12:20 PM at the Arlington Cemetery Chapel. The Funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM in the chapel. Interment to follow at Arlington Cemetery. The family has requested members of our local to participate in honor guard. Please contact J.R. Shultz at udfdshultz@yahoo.com or 610-209-2680 to sign up. Active and retired members are welcome. Full Class A will be needed.

Congratulations to Firefighter Dave Gallagher (26/B) and his wife Gioia on the birth of their daughter Giuliana Rose at 1302 hrs this afternoon.  The new addition weighs in at 7 lbs 13 ozs.  Baby, Mom, Dad, & proud big sister Grace are all doing well.  Let the sleepless nights begin again!!

On Thursday January 26th, Retired Charter Members Frank Costa Sr. and John "Jake" McGinnis stopped down to Station 74 for a visit. While visiting, 74 was dispatched to their local for a Fire Alarm. Our two retired memebrs without skipping a beat jumped back on the rig for a ride along. Thanks for coming around and visiting guys, any of our retired members are always welcomed to visit.

John "Jake" McGinnis (Left) and Frank Costa Sr. (Right)