By Michael Contaxis
1st Asst. Chief WFD
The Warwick Fire Department (WFD) extends their deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Daniel Prial. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Daniel Prial had served in the Army since 2012 after earning a commission at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as a medical evacuation platoon leader with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 and 2015 with the 82nd Airborne Division and served as an instructor pilot for students at the Fort Rucker, AL, where the Army trains helicopter pilots. Prial was 30 years old. He attained the rank of captain before accepting an appointment as a warrant officer in the New York Army National Guard so he could continue to fly.
He was working as a federal technician at the Army Aviation Support Facility at the Rochester International Airport. A National Guard technician is a federal employee who must also serve in the National Guard as a condition of employment. He was rated to fly the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and had 670 flying hours. His awards include the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal and the Army Aviator Badge.
Prial was extremely humble and family centric. He had an ability to fit in quickly and make an immediate impact on new groups, according to Soldiers in his unit. The Warwick Fire Department participated in the procession and we were honored alongside our community, neighbors and friends to always remember and never forget the sacrifices of Daniel and his fellow soldiers. We all did a great send off and now let’s not forget his family and friends and always remember those serving here and those we have lost.
The West Point Military provided this blanket to the Warwick Fire Department by the Prial Family.
