Damon S. Allen Day of Unity

http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/Press/2006/sep05.htm


In the early morning hours of Monday, September 4th, 33 year-old New York City Department of Sanitation worker and local hero Damon Allen was shot and killed outside of a birthday party in Crown Heights. Mr. Allen, who made headlines when he rescued 4 year-old Emani McCovery from a burning building, was felled by gunfire while attempting to usher others to safety. Brooklynites hope all of Mr. Allen’s loved ones will be comforted by the prayers and thoughts of millions of Brooklynites and all New Yorkers.

“Brooklyn and New York City mourn the passing of Damon Allen, a loving father, devoted city employee, and homegrown hero,” said Borough President Markowitz. “I had the honor of meeting Mr. Allen in December when I presented him with a citation for his heroism, and again when he was an honored guest at my State of the Borough Address this year. I can honestly say that Mr. Allen lived his life the way he left it — with selfless concern for the well-being of others. While his death is a tragedy of the highest order, his life of generosity and courage will continue to inspire.”

On December 8, 2005, Damon Allen and his Department of Sanitation partner Michael Kalinowski were honored at Brooklyn Borough Hall for their bravery in saving McCovery and her father, Damion Whyte, from their burning apartment building. The two rookies of New York’s Strongest were heading back to the Brooklyn District 17 garage when they saw flames shooting out of an apartment building on Remsen Avenue in Canarsie. They ran toward frantic cries for help from a third story apartment. As flames shot out of the window, Whyte balanced himself and dropped his daughter from the balcony into Allen’s waiting arms. Meanwhile, Kalinowski, a resident of Bensonhurst, helped Whyte jump safely to the ground. The fire was so intense that three firefighters were injured extinguishing the blaze.

Damon Allen is survived by his mother, Cynthia Allen, sister, Natasha Allen, and two daughters.