Fallen Philly firefighter remembered at City Hall

Lt. Joyce Craig was the first female firefighter to die in the line of duty in Philadelphia.

The city of Philadelphia held a public remembrance Monday for a firefighter who died on the job. 

The ceremony comes about a month after the funeral for Joyce Craig, Philadelphia’s first female firefighter to be killed in the line of duty.

Lt. Diane Mercer, one of the first women hired to fight fires in the city, said Craig was a trailblazer who commanded respect.

“We took an oath to do whatever it takes to be there to help the citizens of Philadelphia in their time of need. We are there when our brothers and sisters need a hand. We just wanted to be treated equally and fairly,” she said. 

All firefighters could learn from Craig’s example, said Joe Schulle, firefighters union head.

“Her demeanor and professionalism will certainly help to ease the process of assimilation for all who follow, and we are all grateful to know and to have worked with Joyce,” he said.

Mayor Michael Nutter added that Craig and every other public safety worker should be honored for the work they do every day to keep people safe.