Firefighter James E. Bohan (1973–1998) of Ladder 170, is remembered for his exceptional bravery. He died in the line of duty on December 18, 1998, while battling a fire at the Vandalia Senior Housing Complex in Brooklyn. Bohan perished along with fellow firefighters Joseph Cavalieri and Christopher Bopp while attempting to rescue a resident who, unbeknownst to them, had already escaped the blaze. While the exact cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, it is believed a resident’s cigarette may have been responsible; tragically, the building's sprinkler system had been shut off for unknown reasons. This event is also commemorated by a park named for Christopher Bopp, located near his home in Brooklyn.

Bohan grew up in Middle Village, where he and his friends frequently went to Juniper Valley Park to play. His deep-seated love for children was always in evidence. One Memorial Day, for instance, at the Irish Festival in East Durham, Bohan purchased a balloon stand's entire inventory and, with the help of his friends, distributed them to every child at the fair. Even on the day before his death, he and his fellow firefighters walked the halls of Brookdale Hospital to hand out toys to sick children. New York City honors his kindness, heroism, and sacrifice.