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On Saturday, March 25th, Molloy inducted two FDNY heroes posthumously into the Stanner Hall of Fame. Family, friends, classmates, and FDNY colleagues came out to show support for the Davidson and Oelkers families as the late Firefighter Lt. Michael R. Davidson ’99 and the late Firefighter Thomas G. Oelkers ’92 were inducted into the Stanner Hall of Fame. Michael and Thomas join many other fallen heroes, and their portraits now reside side-by-side.
Michael’s wife, Mrs. Eileen Davidson, accepted his plaque and shared a moving speech. She spoke of how her family is still coping with Michael’s loss five years later, taking things one day at a time. She spoke of signs, and how a family photo with a timestamp of 3:33 and taken on 3/3, just days before Michael’s passing, became a great comfort to her. Repeated threes, Eileen explained, are symbolic of angels. She shared a hope that everyone, through their grief journey, would find their threes – their signs of comfort when needed most. “We know in these moments our forever heroes are with us, eternalized in our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. Eternalized in life and in death. It is an honor to have Michael’s picture eternalized on these walls as a representation of what he has meant to so many.”
Following Michael’s induction, Thomas’s wife, Mrs. Erika Oelkers, accepted his plaque and also shared emotional words. She said that although they both had fond memories at St. John’s, “Tom’s heart was always at Molloy. He said there was something special about this place, that you would only know if you went here.” Erika reflected on Michael Davidson and Tom being cut from the same cloth. “They were two kids from Queens, both second generation firefighters, who had a love of service and family that bonds us all here today and forever. When I look at that wall and see their pictures together, my heart is full.” She shared that she and the Oelkers family will always remember Tommy for how he lived – a loving and dedicated husband and father, and a proud firefighter with a great spirit of generosity. Erika is proud that that spirit will continue through a scholarship at Molloy: the Firefighter Tommy Oelkers Scholarship.
MORE ABOUT LT. DAVIDSON: Michael grew up in Woodside, Queens, where he attended St. Sebastian Academy. A graduate of Iona College, Michael began his tenure with the FDNY at the age of 22. As second-generation firefighter, he proudly served Engine Company 69 for fifteen years – until his final call on March 23, 2018. On that day, Michael responded to a five-alarm building fire on a film set in Harlem. Michael bravely and courageously entered the building, but tragically he did not survive. He was just 37 years old.
In 2021, Michael’s tragic passing, and the persistence of his family and friends, inspired a law change that would ensure greater fire safety on film sets in New York City. The law requires a fire safety director to be on a film set at all times.
Michael is survived by his parents, Paula and Robert Davidson; his brother, Eric; his wife, Eileen; and their four beautiful children: Brooke, Joseph, Emily, and Amy. Michael was a friend to all he met; he was kind, compassionate, strong, and brave. He never wavered in truth or principle, and his love for his family and friends was palpable. Forever in our hearts, his family and friends honor his light every day.
MORE ABOUT FIREFIGHTER OELKERS: Growing up, Thomas attended St. Stanislaus Kostka School where he was an altar server, a Boy Scout, and loved playing baseball. After graduating from Molloy in 1992, Tom attended St. John’s University, where he was a member of Pi Lambda Phi and held positions on their chapter executive board as KOE and Pledge Master. It was at St. John’s that Tom met the love of his life, Erika Ryan. They were engaged in 1998 and married on October 8, 2000.
After graduating from SJU with a BS in Criminal Justice, Tom joined the NYPD. Tom started his career in Crown Heights, but spent most of his career in the Midtown North Precinct. Notably, Tom was part of the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. He spent several weeks on the pile doing his best to help others. Shortly after this, Tom joined the FDNY in October 2001.
Initially assigned to Ladder 152 in Queens, Tom transferred to Engine 92-Ladder 44 in the South Bronx, NY where he spent his career. He was a beloved member of his firehouse, cooking up delicious meals while running firehouse events like German Night and the Annual Dinner Dance. He won a championship as an offensive lineman for the FDNY Bravest Football Team.
While Tom loved the FDNY, his pride and joy was always his three daughters; Camryn, Juliet, and Scarlett. He loved getting them on and off the bus for school, attending career day, and every soccer game and bike ride. Sadly, Tom was diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer in August 2020. After fighting courageously for 9 months, Tom lost his battle at the age of 46. Tom’s bravery and sacrifice as a 9/11 first responder is inspiring, and his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
We extend our deep thanks and appreciation to the Davidson and Oelkers families, and thank you to the FDNY.