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New Plaque Honors 2 Philadelphia Firefighters Who Died Two Years Ago

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was two years ago today that two Philadelphia firefighters were killed battling a five-alarm warehouse fire in Kensington (see related story).

A plaque in their honor was unveiled this morning at their firehouse, in the nearby Richmond section.

Fellow firefighters, city officials, and appreciative neighbors gathered at Engine 7 and Ladder 10 for the dedication of a plaque in honor of Lt. Robert Neary and firefighter Daniel Sweeney.

"These people are here because they care and because they want to honor the memory of two Philadelphia heroes," said attorney Jimmy Binns, who organized the plaque ceremony.

 

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(Widow Diane Neary, in white sweater at left, stands as "Amazing Grace" is played during ceremonies honoring her late husband. Photo by Mike DeNardo)

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Sweeney's father, Dave, said he's seen the camaraderie among firefighters over the two years since his son died in the line of duty.

"A day doesn't go by that we don't miss and think of Daniel," Dave Sweeney added.

Neary's widow, Diane, said she knows the brotherhood of firefighters mourns along with her.

"And I know that your hearts broke the day that Bob and Danny died," she told them today.  She thanked the firefighters for supporting her, and she asked God to keep them safe.

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