Arnold Roma seeks official recognition for his son Keith Roma, a New York Fire Patrolman killed during the September 11 attacks
Arnold Roma is advocating for his son, Keith Roma, to be officially recognized as a firefighter in the national memory of the September 11 attacks. While the FDNY famously counts 343 fallen heroes, Keith Roma served as a New York Fire Patrolman, a separate entity from the FDNY that worked alongside them for nearly two centuries. Keith Roma was killed while responding to the attacks, helping to rescue civilians and guide them down the stairs of the North Tower. Despite his service, he was excluded from the official 343 count because he was not an active member of the FDNY. Arnold Roma believes the number should be 344 to include his son's sacrifice. Although the FDNY has bestowed upon Keith Roma the Fireman’s Medal of Supreme Sacrifice, Arnold Roma continues to push for his name to be included in major memorials and tribute services. He argues that because the Fire Patrol and FDNY worked so closely together, Keith's heroism should be acknowledged alongside the 343 FDNY firefighters.
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