In 2001, as the nation mourned those killed on 9/11, the government tried to find its footing to prevent more terrorist attacks. In the 20 years since, the nature of those threats has evolved.

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said the FDNY was renaming the medal after Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr., who was the highest-ranking member killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.