Family, elected officials and fellow firefighters gathered in the Bronx to pay tribute to the two men who lost their lives while battling a fire one year ago.

Curtis Meyran, 46, and John Bellew, 37, died on January 23, 2005 after they became trapped on the fourth floor of a burning building on East 178th Street and jumped to escape the flames. Four other firefighters also jumped but survived. And in a seperate incident on the same day, another FDNY firefighter was killed in a Brooklyn fire. Elected officials along with family members of the three men dedicated a plaque in their honor and spoke about their outstanding service to the fire department. They said their bravery will be used as an example in years to come.

The deaths of Meyran and Bellew sparked renewed calls for all firefighters to be equipped with safety ropes, which were discontinued as standard issue equipment several years ago. The FDNY did begin issuing the ropes again but a problem forced them to recall all of the equipment. The FDNY now says all firefighters will be issued the safety ropes by June.