Remembering a Hero

On Monroe Street:
The street co-naming ceremony of FDNY Firefighter Shawn Edward Powell (June 28, 1969- September 11, 2001) took place on Saturday, September 10th at 11 AM, Monroe Street between Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Lewis Avenue. At the ceremony, firefighter Powell was recognized for his heroism and service as a U.S. Army Reservist, a Firefighter assigned to Engine Company 207 in Downtown Brooklyn, and a committed family man and community leader. To Henry Butler, District Manager, Bed-Stuy’s Community Board 3, Powell was also a childhood friend. After his moving remarks, Butler shared that he “knew his family very well, too, and I lived in the same building in the Tompkins Houses with his grandmother and his Aunts.”

Mr. Powell’s family hosted and coordinated the poignant ceremony. They included, among others, Janine Bowling (prayer), Dr. Chanda Huston (mistress of ceremonies); Isaiah Hughes (musical selection); Brenda Hughes (Poem/”A Firefighter’s Prayer”); Ordella Dubb & Brenda Hughes (Appreciation Awards); and Powell’s son, Shawn, Jr. who delivered the Reflections. Among the friends who participated in the program were firefighters, current or retired, including FDNY Captain Dellon Morgan, President, FDNY Vulcan Society; Matt Dewire; Ella McNair; Hasham Tawfiq; Abdullah Granger; Paul Washington, and Shakir Stanley. The honorable Councilman Chi Osse delivered an address, and Mr. Butler received an award from the Powell family for his role in leading and guiding the successful co-naming effort for his friend Sgt. Shawn Powell.