By Jack Delaney
jdelaney@queensledger.com
On September 11, 2001, Maspeth lost one its finest public servants, FDNY Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan Sr., who died while trying to rescue fellow New Yorkers at the World Trade Center.
Last week, residents and local representatives converged upon the corner of 69th Lane and Eliot Avenue, honoring Phelan’s sacrifice by renaming part of 69th Lane, now called “Kenneth J. Phelan Sr. Way.”
“Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan was a true hometown hero,” said Council Member Phil Wong. ìHe dedicated his life to protecting New Yorkers and serving the community that raised him.î
Notably, the ceremony marked the start of a push to replace more than 300 green co-named street signs across the city with FDNY and NYPD colors ó red or blue ó as NYC gears up for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 later this year.
“The colors on these signs let everyone know that these were first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Councilmember Joann Ariola. “Those colors meant something very significant to these individuals, and I am glad that the DOT was budgeted to give all of these heroes the respect and recognition they deserve.”
Born in Maspeth in 1960, Phelan worked as a newspaper delivery boy for six years and was an avid Mets and Rangers fan.
Phelan attended Our Lady of Hope Grammar School in Middle Village and then Grover Cleveland High School in Ridgewood, where he would meet his future wife Patricia. For college, Phelan enrolled at St. John’s University and later St. Francis College. (Phelan coached CYO basketball at Our Lady of Hope for years, beginning when he was 18.)
Phelan joined the NYPD in 1981, and transferred to the FDNY in 1989 ó he served in Engine 16 and Ladder 7 in Manhattan, followed by a promotion that moved him to Engine 217 in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, the same company as his father. He was 41 when he passed away.
Phelanís son, Kenneth Phelan Jr., and his younger brother, Lenny Phelan, have followed his example and currently serve in the FDNY.
Michael LoCascio, longtime fellow coach and director of athletics for Maspeth’s St. Stan’s Parish, reflected on Phelan’s legacy Phelan earlier this week. “He was a great coach and an even better human being,” said LoCascio. “We miss his enthusiasm and professionalism. A true hero.”
