The corner of Narrows Avenue and Mackay Place in Bay Ridge was officially renamed Saturday in honor of Firefighter Marcel Claes, a beloved neighbor and decorated member of the FDNY who dedicated over 27 years of his life to public service.
Claes, who died on Dec. 3, 2020, served at Engine 24 in Greenwich Village, where he earned a reputation for courage and compassion — qualities his family, friends and neighbors say defined him both on and off the job.
“Born and raised in Brooklyn, Marcel Claes was a hero in all aspects of his life: professional and personal, public and private, big and small,” said Council Member Justin Brannan during the May 3 ceremony. “For nearly three decades, saving lives was not only his day job, but also his passion. Helping others was his way of life.”
Brannan recounted Claes’ bravery on Sept. 11, 2001, when he was among those who responded to the World Trade Center. Claes climbed nearly 40 stories, evacuating as many people as he could before being ordered to retreat — all while losing 11 members of his own engine company.
“On one of the darkest days in our city’s and our nation’s history, Marcel risked everything to hold that darkness just a little bit more at bay, save just a few more lives, and preserve just a little more light,” Brannan said.
But Claes’ heroism wasn’t limited to major emergencies. In Bay Ridge, he was known for his everyday kindness and helpful spirit. Neighbors affectionately referred to him as “the mayor of Mackay Place.”
“In recent years, my office has heard from many of Marcel’s old neighbors, some of whom are here today,” Brannan said. “Stories range from assisting older neighbors with snow shoveling and garbage night, to making sure new neighbors felt welcome, to saving a neighbor’s life during a health emergency at home.”
One neighbor echoed that sentiment, saying, “He was, without a doubt, the best neighbor I’ve ever had. It’s my honor to dedicate this street to him.”
Claes’ wife, Carolyn, said her late husband was “loved by everybody on the block.”
“That’s why they wanted to honor him like this,” she told Brooklyn Paper, “and it’s very special, especially to the grandkids.”
Claes’ granddaughter Abigail said he was “the greatest man.”
“As my mother said, he was a quiet man, but I always felt like he loved all of us, and he was always there to help,” she said. “I truly believe that he is the best grandfather that I ever could have asked for. The greatest father, the greatest husband to my grandma, the greatest man.”
