4th-generation firefighter carries on family’s long FDNY tradition

A fourth-generation graduate of the FDNY academy was pinned today with his late grandfather’s badge.
James Spencer Jr., 24, graduated at a ceremony today in Queens. The Commack man joins a long line of relatives who served with New York’s Bravest.
Spencer’s father is a captain with the FDNY. His grandfather, Thomas Spencer, was with the department until 1997 and his great-grandfather Edward Markey served from 1942 until 1966.
"It's a great day for the Spencers, great day for the fire department," said Capt. James Spencer Sr.
Spencer will wear the exact same badge number his grandfather, who recently passed away, wore decades ago. He says he knows his grandfather will be looking down on him.
Spencer will be stationed at Engine 50, Ladder 19 in the Bronx. It’s the same firehouse his great-grandfather worked in more than 60 years ago.