Today We Remember Captain Walter G. Hynes, FDNY

Today we remember Captain Walter G. Hynes, 46-years-old, Ladder 13 FDNY, who was killed on September 11th, 2001. 

On the morning of September 11th, Walter called home as his rig left the firehouse at 85th Street and Lexington Avenue. He was on his way downtown. He said in his message to his wife, "I don't know if we'll make it out. I want to tell you that I love you and I love the kids."

Walter Hynes valiantly gave his life on the morning of September 11, 2001 while assisting victims of the World Trade Center attack. Walter was a family man, as well as a jack-of-all-trades. In addition to his job with the FDNY of 22 years, he was also a practicing attorney, and the co-owner of a restaurant in Rockaway Beach. In his earlier years, he had worked as a firefighter in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and put himself through law school at St. John's University at night.

When firefighters were ordered to evacuate the World Trade Center's north tower, Capt. Walter Hynes, leader of Ladder Co. 13, was with his men as they descended the stairs. 

Somewhere on the way down, they found about 50 people in distress and tried to help them leave. Many never made it, including Hynes, a man who always made time for others. 

"His greatest personal quality was his generosity of time, spirit and even his money," recalled his brother-in-law, Richard Fanning. "He was always the first guy to pick up a restaurant check or a bar tab." As a practicing attorney, "He was widely known throughout the community and throughout the fire department for being able and willing to provide free legal advice," Fanning said.

"Walter seemed to have an inexhaustible reserve of time. He never turned down a favor." Yet, “He had no free time, because he was always doing for everyone else."

Hynes had three elementary school-aged daughters. Around his neighborhood, they were known as "Walter and His Ladies". He enjoyed taking his three daughters each year to Disney World. He was very social. He just loved life.

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember FF Brian Cannizzaro, FDNY

Today we remember FF Brian Cannizzaro, 30-years-old, Ladder Co. 101, FDNY.

Those close to Brian know that he was a strong and determined man who never needed to be pushed. He was on tap, but did it all with humor. His buddies remember the time he drove a Fire Dept. vehicle into a chief’s truck and somehow escaped without reprimand. And the time that he jumped into a Brooklyn trash bin to smother a fire and leaped out because of a rat. He had a memorable sense of humor and lived every moment to the fullest.

Like his father, who spent 32 years in the city Fire Department, Brian chose to work for the FDNY. After joining the ranks in 1999, he wound up at Ladder Co. 101 in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Brian’s life, along with so many others, came to a tragic end the morning of September 11th, when terrorists slammed planes into the World Trade Center. Brian, along with six other men from Ladder 101, never returned. His body was recovered the Sunday night after Sept. 11th, from the rubble of Ground Zero.

Brian left behind his loving wife Jackie and a 1-year-old son, Christopher.

"Our times together as a family were the best I ever had," Mrs. Cannizzaro said, referring to her husband as her "best friend."

The couple grew from two college kids who were dating to become the married parents of their baby boy.

At his funeral, his wife spoke these words:

"I know, in my heart, you'll be there for every home run, touchdown, every bump and bruise.”

She remembered that her husband "desperately wanted" to be a firefighter. "It comforts me that you were doing what you loved and you were in the company of such incredible men. Words cannot explain, Brian, of how proud of you I am."

Brian’s brother then turned to his young nephew, saying, "I hope you grow up to be just like your daddy."

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember FF Timothy Welty, FDNY

Today we remember FF Timothy Welty, Squad 288, FDNY.

Tim Welty's true trade was in the physical world. A strong, wiry man who could do push-ups with two fingers, he skied, sky-dived and motorcycled, and he played hockey and volleyball for the Fire Department.

In 1993, Timmy got the call to attend NY firefighter training. His first assignment was Engine Company 233, aka "The Tin House”.

During his years at Engine 233, Welty gained a reputation as a fearless and single-minded firefighter, who would let nothing and no one stand in his way to fight a fire. This reputation earned him a spot in the new FDNY "Squad" Companies, which were created after the 1993 World Trade Center attacks as elite specially trained firefighting companies.

Welty moved to Squad 288 in Maspeth, Queens, in 1998 as one of its original members. He was known around the firehouse as "MacGyver" because of his ability to make something out of nothing, and was infamous for yelling during fires, "If you're not going in, get out of the way!" to anyone in front of him.

On September 11, Timothy Welty had finished his 12-hour shift at FDNY Squad 288 in Queens. The sight was visible from the firehouse. Welty called his wife to say he would not be home in time to bring their son to school, donned his turnout gear and jumped on the back of the Hazmat truck as it pulled out.

After the towers came down, nobody knew where Tim was. They believed he had already gone home. His mother was always nervous about him being in the fire department. He always told her to stop worrying, that if anything happened she would be notified. But after 9/11, she was not notified. Tim was officially listed as missing, and like so many other families, she hoped that he had somehow escaped the terror attack. When November came and Tim still was missing, his family knew the time had come to say goodbye.

The duty board for the day at Squad 288 is still preserved in a small memorial inside the firehouse, and shows his name scrawled in chalk.

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember Lee Fehling

Today we remember Lee Fehling, 28-years-old, Engine 235, FDNY.

It did not take Lee Fehling's mother long to know that she had a character on her hands. "You know when the doctor slaps you on the back and the baby cries?" said his mother, Joan Bischoff. "Lee came out laughing."

Lee relished a good telephone prank, calling his mother, an insurance investigator, and claiming to be an investigation subject, or impersonating a Nassau County official to inform a friend that her garage violated zoning restrictions.

"He wasn't ever a fan of dull moments," said his younger brother, Thomas.

This was particularly problematic for those who played bagpipes with Lee in the American Legion band in Wantagh, on Long Island, where he lived. (Just try playing the pipes while cracking up.)

He could always make his wife, Danielle, smile, but he could never fool her. "I could tell a mile away if he was up to something," she said.

He adored his daughter Kaitlin, 4. His wife, Danielle, gave birth to a baby girl one month after Sept. 11th.

His wife left him this memorial:

Lee, I cannot begin to express how lost I am without you. I still can not believe that you are gone! We had so many plans that can never be fulfilled. I need you to watch over me & the girls, we will need your guidance. I love you very much & I know we will meet again one day to live, laugh & love together. Thanks for always being my hero from the day I met you!

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember Paramedic Ricardo Quinn

Today we remember Ricardo Quinn, Paramedic with Battalion 57, FDNY.

After serving in the Coast Guard as a young man, he found his true calling as a Paramedic for the FDNY.

On the night of September 11th, Ricardo’s wife believed that her husband had been stuck at Elmhurst Hospital Center all night working as a paramedic. The next morning she got a call from another paramedic who asked “Did Rick make it home?”. As it turns out, Rick hadn’t gone to Elmhurst Hospital, but instead he had rushed to the World Trade Centers to help treat the injured. Ricardo Quinn had been assigned to light duty at Elmhurst due to shoulder surgery earlier in the summer and was still recovering. Despite this, he still rushed to the towers to help. He was one of eight paramedics and emergency medical technicians who ran into the burning towers and did not make it out.

Ricardo was last seen heading into Tower 2 to help treat and evacuate those who had been injured. He first stopped to bandage a fellow medic who had been hit by falling debris. He then helped load someone into an ambulance, went inside tower 2, and never came out.

One of Rick’s favorite spots to relax was Jones Beach. That’s where he met his wife, Virginia. He made life size sand sculptures that drew crowds. His wife followed his wishes and spread his ashes on the waters he loved. Ricardo Quinn gave his life helping the victims of the World Trade Center attack. As long as we remember heroes like Ricardo, their legacy will live on.

Rick’s son wrote this memorial for his dad last year:

Hey dad just wanted to let you know that I think about you all the time. I am a father now, my son's name is Adam Joseph Quinn Jr. I wish you were here to see him. We all miss you very much and I hope that we can see each other some day... Life has been very hard since 9/11 but I am still trying to make my way as a good husband and father. I never realized how lucky I was to have you as a father until it was too late. I love you and miss you with all my heart. Love your son....

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember FF John Chipura, FDNY

Today we remember Firefighter John Chipura, Engine 219, FDNY.

On October 23, 1983, John Chipura survived one of the most tragic terrorist attacks in Beirut, Lebanon. He was a corporal in the Marines stationed in Beirut when terrorists with a truck bomb took out the battalion headquarters barracks and killed 241 of his fellow service men. Because John had stopped to talk to someone, he was still 50 yards from the barracks when it collapsed. The man walking just behind him was killed.

John kept in contact with many of the families from the bombing. He never thought he’d live to see anything worse than what he saw that day in Beirut. His family waited anxiously for 3 days after the attack in Beirut before he was able to call them and tell them he was ok. On September 11, 2001, they would also wait, but this time he wouldn't show up.

After 12 years of service to the NYPD, he followed the footsteps of his father and brother, and in 1998 joined the FDNY. He yearned for the camaraderie of the firehouse, and liked the idea of working as a team.

On September 11th, John arrived at Engine 219 to work the day tour. After reports of the first attack, he called his fiancé, Gina, to ask if she had heard from his sister who worked on the 69th floor of tower 1. Gina had no news. Later, when she heard that Nancy was safe, she called John to tell him, but it was too late. His ladder company had already left. John and the 5 other firefighters in the truck were never heard from again.

John was to marry the girl of his dreams and the love of his life, Gina, just 6 weeks after Sept. 11th. Marrying Gina was his sole focus of being the last few months of his life. He told his friends he had never been this happy. He held her so close to his heart.

When John wasn’t serving the community, he was serving his family and friends. He was a great conversationalist, problem solver, hard worker, and friend. He embraced hobbies such as country dancing and motorcycling because he liked the sense of community he found.

As a Marine, John protected our freedom, and as a police officer and a fireman, he helped so many to safety. He is a true American Hero.

His best friend left this memorial for him:

Chip,
You are my best friend. Although we were not born brothers, over all those years together, that's what we became. It has been 5 months since September 11. Every hour of every day from then till now you have been in my thoughts. I miss you dearly. You represent all that is good in people. Thank you for helping me through the hard times. First you were my co-worker, then my friend, and eventually my brother. Now your my guardian angel. I will never forget you. Goodbye Chip. I'll see you again someday. I love You.

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember Captain Victor Brunton

Today we remember Captain Victor Brunton, Ladder 105, FDNY. He was 43-years-old when he died on September 11, 2001.

Victor was a firefighter for 22 years and gave his life at the World Trade Center. In addition to being a firefighter, Vinny was a husband to Cathy, a father to Tommy and Kelly, a neighborhood bartender, an inspiration, a source of endless knowledge, a role model, a friend. He was a lot of things to a lot of people, and his spirit will continue to touch us all.

Anyone could go into Victor’s office at 11:30 p.m. and ask him a fire question and he would lean back in his chair and tell countless stories. He would say, “the best way to learn is from your mistakes. If you're not making mistakes, you are not trying."

Even a false alarm provided an opportunity to learn. A young firemen described how terrified he once had been at a fire with Captain Brunton. Flames were shooting out the windows and the roof. He was thinking to himself, “This guy is absolutely crazy! What is he thinking, he's John Wayne or something?' " But Captain Brunton took his arm and showed him what to do.

We will never forget!

Today We Remember FF William "Billy" Lake

Today Remember FF William “Billy” Lake, 44-years-old, Rescue 2 FDNY.

On the night of September 10th , 2001 a special dinner was held at Rescue 2 celebrating Billy’s 20th anniversary with the Fire Department. The guys at the firehouse whipped up a dinner of roast beef, shrimp, and chocolate mousse for everyone on duty that night. Laughter rang throughout the walls of the firehouse.

This would be the last dinner at the firehouse for many of the men at Rescue 2.

The next day, on September 11th, Billy Lake perished in the north tower of the WTC. Billy was no stranger to rescues and disasters. He had saved people in all manners of disaster, including a scuba dive rescue, the 1993 WTC bombing and the Oklahoma City tragedy.

As a young boy, Billy’s mom could always find him hanging out at the firehouse two blocks away. He spent all of his free time there.

On the outside he was a tough guy, with a Rescue 2 tattoo, a Harley Davidson, and labored hands. On the inside, he was a softie. He loved his son Kyler and his cat Boxie.

He was known for his dedication to saving lives.

9/11 was Billy’s last call.

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember Lt. Chuck Margiotta

Today we remember Lt. Chuck Margiotta, Batallion 22, FDNY, 44-years-old.

Packed into those compressed decades of Chuck Margiotta’s time on Earth was a love of people and an unquenchable, if not dizzying, zeal for accomplishment. It’s hard to believe everything this veteran firefighter crammed into his way too short life: Ivy League football stand out at Brown University, substitute public school teacher, church leader, philanthropist, youth sports coach, television and movie actor and stuntman (Hannibal, Malcolm X, Law and Order), family man, and don’t forget-gardener and voracious reader. His brother Mike observed to a reporter, “He wasn't happy unless he was doing four things at once, plus one more thing."

It was that one more thing that took him from us. On 9/11 the devoted married father of a beautiful son, 11, and daughter, 13, had just completed a 24 hour shift in Brooklyn filling in for another firefighter. As he was safely headed home, he saw the orange flames engulf the World Trade Center, turned around, and instinctively went to the nearest firehouse. There he immediately hopped on to Staten Island’s Rescue 5 FDNY truck as it sped to save civilians from the chaotic scene. Right before he reached the inferno he phoned his mother to tell her what turned out to be his last words to her: “Ma, it's bad, I love you. I'll call you later."

He left his big footprints all over New York City. Twenty years as a firefighter, fifteen in Harlem, with several years as a running back for the acclaimed FDNY football team. Even after he rose in rank to Lieutenant, he ruffled a few bosses because he was more comfortable with the rank and file folks.

For twenty years, on top of his fire duties, he substitute taught at least two days a week. He was also a private investigator for two decades. He was CYO Athletic Director at his parish and coached kids in four different sports. He was a key organizer of innumerable charity events. He did acting and stunt work across New York in numerous television and movie productions, while still finding time to plant a garden at his firehouse. 

As busy as he was, he was devoted to his family. He’d check on his parents—who lived next door, just about every day to make sure they were all right. The hole in his parents’ hearts never really healed. His dad misses the family vacations in the mountains, watching sports on television, as well as the tailgate gatherings at Giants games. His mom even misses cleaning up the constant stream of pretzel crumbs he would leave after helping with chores or home repairs. He adored his wife and kids.

Never Forget!

Today We Remember Chief Richard Prunty

Today we remember Chief Richard Prunty, 57 years-old, Battalion Chief in the Second Battalion of the FDNY.

Chief Prunty was a firefighter for 33 years. His world revolved around two families. There was his family in Sayville, on Long Island, and there was the Second Battalion of the New York City Fire Department. 

At 57, he was a tall, unassuming man, never the type to dominate a conversation or even brag. But when he did have something to say, his soft-spoken words were usually the strongest and most effective that could be said. Beyond his rough exterior, he was a real "teddy bear” on the inside. He once spent a week sleeping on his daughter's floor when she was sick in college.

On September 11th, several firemen were trapped under the debris after the north tower collapsed. There were many mayday calls over their radios, one of them was Chief Prunty. “Listen,” he says, “you have to get here quick.” He was trapped in the lobby. He said his legs were pinned by an I beam and he was feeling numb and starting to lose consciousness. Several firemen who were also trapped in the collapse heard his call and asked him to hold on, try to stay awake, they would try and get to him. Try to stay alive. At that point Chief Prunty said “Tell my wife and kids that I love them.” Hours passed and they never heard from Chief Prunty again.

Battalion Chief Richard Prunty lost his life on that horrible day.

This picture is a still from video footage captured that morning, the last picture ever of Chief Richard Prunty.

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember Cpt. Louis Modafferi

Retired FDNY Captain Jim Ellson writes a tribute to his friend and Brother Louie Modafferi who died on Sept. 11th:

Louis was one of my Lieuts. when I was the Cpt. of Squad 1 FDNY, he was very smart and just a pleasure to work with, Louis was promoted to Capt and assigned to Rescue 5, he was waiting for promotion to Battalion Chief when he was taken from us at the WTC on 9/ll, Louis was a rising star in the FDNY, until we meet on the other side.... Cpt. Jim

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember Chief Peter Gancy, FDNY

Today we remember Chief Peter Ganci, FDNY, who died on September 11, 2001.

A 33-year department veteran, Chief Ganci managed all uniformed personnel, and was also responsible for the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. He rose to lieutenant in 1977, captain in 1983 and battalion chief in 1987, and was promoted to deputy chief in 1993, when he was working in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. 

In 1997 Chief Ganci was appointed chief of operations, the second highest uniformed position in the Fire Department. In 1999, he was named acting chief. 

The thing about Peter Ganci was, he didn't flaunt it. He was just a regular guy living with his family on Long Island, so at peace with himself that if you asked him what he did for a living, he would just say, "I'm a fireman in the city." 

"He would never say that he was the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the department," said Fire Marshal Steven Mosiello, his longtime friend and executive assistant. 

Most of the time, Pete Ganci, who was 54, was that regular guy down the street who happened to be a decorated hero and boss: the guy who loved to laugh, golf, go clamming in Great South Bay. On Deputy Fire Commissioner Lynn Tierney's desk is a photograph of him in formal uniform — five stars on his collar and all — and a pink headband that says "Happy Birthday." The photograph's meaning is simple, she said: "He was man enough to wear a pink headband that said `Happy Birthday.'" 

Then there were those times when Pete Ganci was Chief Ganci, as on that last morning. In the eerie calm between the collapse of the two towers, Deputy Fire Commissioner Michael Regan recalled, "Pete Ganci directed every civilian and every firefighter to go north. He went south."

Today We Remember FF William L. Henry Jr, FDNY

Today we remember William L. Henry Jr., Rescue 1, FDNY.

William L. Henry Jr., who was known as Bill or Buddy, had a galaxy of friends and admirers that stretched from the Ladder 24 firehouse on West 31st Street to the paddle tennis courts at wind-swept Jacob Riis Park in the Rockaways. He spent his vacations in places like Brazil, and his free time fixing up houses for people like his mother, Ethel. People would compliment his work; Mr. Henry tended to agree with them. "Yeah," he'd say, "it's a beautiful thing."

Outside of his family, his job is what he lived for. Below are messages left for Buddy in remembrance of his life:

It's a nice, sunny and hot day, Buddy. Just the way you liked it, Big Brother. My tears still flow. Love You Forever, Ellen
~ Ellen C. Henry

To my buddy, You were always in my corner with a wise crack or joke to make my day! Thank you for everything. Most will never realize your greatness but all who knew you knows you would not have had life any other way! Love you always! I'll always be your biggest fan!
~ Shavonne Baez

My heart goes out to the family and friends. May you know his passing was not in vain, but acting unselfishly, to save others. For this reason he will always be remembered as a Hero to this great country we live in. God Bless!!!
~ Veronica Ayres,Jackson, Michigan

Just today I purchased a bracelet with William's name on it. I want you to know that I will wear this bracelet proudly, and when asked about it I will tell everyone about William's bravery and how he lost his life doing what he loved which was to help save others.
May he rest in peace.
~ Marion M., Floral Park, NY

Today We Remember Lt. Mike Warchola, Ladder Co. 5

Today we remember Lieutenant Mike Warchola, Ladder Co. 5, FDNY.

On September 11, 2001 Mike was 51. Two shifts separated Mike from retirement and a trip to Australia when he sped to the WTC on Sept. 11 with Ladder Co. 5.  The final 24-hour shift of his 24-year career would have ended less than a week later. His paperwork was done and his plans were set.

Lt. Mike Warchola and his Ladder 5 crew were assisting a civilian who was having chest pains on the stairway landing on the 12th floor of the North Tower.  Immediately following the collapse of the South Tower, Fellow Fireman Chief Jay Jonas decided to evacuate and was helping a civilian back down the stairs when he saw Mike. "Mike, let's go, it's time to go!", Jay said. "It's OK, Jay, you have your civilian; we have ours. We will be right behind you."

Shortly thereafter, the North Tower collapsed.

Miraculously, 14 people survived the collapse in the B Stairwell of the North Tower. Joe Jonas was one of them. As he found himself in a pile of rubble, amongst a bed of twisted steel and debris, he heard over his radio the final mayday call for Lt. Mike Warchola. "Mayday Mayday Mayday. This is the officer of Ladder Company 5. I'm in the B stairway on the 12th floor. I'm trapped and I'm hurt bad." Jonas had no way to get to Mike. He gave out his third Mayday and that was the last they heard from Mike.

Mike Warchola is remembered for being quiet in words and strong in actions.  He was a unique, extremely intelligent and very interesting man. He had an inexhaustive curiosity about the world we live in, and a unique perception about life. He was very well-read and loved to travel to the sometimes obscure places he'd read about. Mike loved his children with his very being and took an active part in their lives and future.

He made elaborate drawings of Venus Flytraps and he kept a Godzilla poster on his wall.  He loved to paint.

On the Friday following September 11, Mike Warchola's body was found in a stairwell of the crumbled tower along with a young woman he was apparently trying to rescue.

Mike's friend Ellen remembers him:

I miss my friend Mike. He had a strong and independent mind, loved experiencing the physical world, understood much about evil, he was sometimes reticent, but that was OK. He was a wacky and wonderful Warchola. His love for his children Amy and Aaron was in his core. He was devoted to Ladder 5. I liked knowing he was around. He said we'd be friends for life. I am so sad he is not here.

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember Moira Smith

Today we remember Police Officer Moira Smith, 13th Precinct, NYPD. She was a member of the New York Police Department for 13 years.

Moira was only the second policewoman killed in the line of duty in the history of the New York Police Department.

She had been working in the Manhattan Police Station when the planes struck the World Trade Center and she rushed down to the scene voluntarily. She didn’t have to go down there that day, she chose to go.

On a number of occasions she was seen coming out of the World Trade Center, carrying people out, then going back in. 

Many witnesses remember being escorted out of the building by Moira who calmly ordered the streaming mass of people off of the escalator and out of the lobby, not allowing them to stop to look at the destruction and horror of bodies and debris outside, preventing a jam.

She was captured by a news photographer helping a bleeding man out of the burning south tower and heard over her police radio directing people to safety.

Moments later the tower collapsed and she was killed, along with her police partner Robert Fazio.

Charles Barbuti, a lieutenant in the 13th Precinct and Smith's friend, says he would describe Moira as active, dedicated, courageous. 

Every time Moira’s husband, Jim Smith, looks at their daughter Patricia, he sees the spirit of Moira. In a touching scene in December of 2001, the then 2-year-old ittle girl, dressed in a red velvet dress, accompanied her father onto the stage of Carnegie Hall to accept the Medal of Honor, the department’s highest accolades, for her mother.

Jim remembers a woman who above all loved to travel and experience the world to the full. He remembers that she ran with the bulls in Spain, played roulette in Monte Carlo and rode a camel in North Africa. But she loved nothing better than to drag friends and family off on trips around the U.S. in her Winnebago van. 

Moira Smith ran into the south tower because she believed a "life lived in the service of others was the only one worth living," her heartbroken husband says. "I am grateful to have our child to raise, helping her to understand that her mother was and still is the pride of New York City.”

“If Moira was here, she'd be protecting the people of the city she loved, defending the nation she loved and keeping it from harm. But most importantly, she would be about the business of living."

Today We Remember Sean Patrick Tallon

Today we remember Sean Patrick "Charger" Tallon, 26-years-old, Ladder Co. 10.

Sean had only a month or so left of being a "probie" (a probationary firefighter). He was one of the first responders, along with the other members of Ten House. Their station was right across the street from the World Trade Center. On the way up the stairs of Tower One, Sean helped a fellow firefighter that was having a heart attack, and then he continued up with two more of his fellow firemen. They were trapped when Tower One collapsed.

Sean was a reservist in the United States Marine Corps, a former emergency medical technician and a probationary firefighter with Ladder Company 10 just a few weeks away from the end of his training. He was tough.

He loved to play the button accordion. He would bring out his instrument and play Irish favorites for relatives at family gatherings, with his sister on the piano accordion. But he rarely played for friends; some of them didn't even know he could play an instrument.

When he left for work from his home on Sept. 11, headed for the fire station that was among the first to respond to the trade center attack, he seemed in a buoyant mood. 

Sean had recently told his mother that he was ready to find Mrs. Right. He said that would be his next mission. His probie year was almost finished and he wanted to start with the rest of his life. He had just blossomed.

A touching note left on Sean Tallon's Memorial wall September 11, 2006:

I knew Sean from Fordham Prep, I graduated in '94 after Sean. I remember him playing football. I am in the Army now and in 2003 I deployed to Afghanistan. I took Sean's memorial bracelet with me and left it in one of the caves just before I left. I will never forget.

C co. 1-501 PIR, 4th BRG 25th IN

~Amal Agalawatta, Ft. Richardson, Alaska

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember Asia Cottom

Today we remember Asia Cottom, 11-years-old.

Asia Cottom was with 11-year-old companions Rodney Dickens and Bernard Brown on AA Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon.


Her last project at school was to list her role models and best friends. For her heroes, she listed her parents. She listed her brother as one of her best friends. And on her list of great singers, she listed her mother. For Asia, family was at the top of her list.


She was extremely excited about her four-day National Geographic adventure. She was one of three exceptional middle-school students headed for a four-day educational adventure to the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary off the California coast, accompanied by their teachers. She had spent days on the computer on the internet learning about the National Geographic Society, its projects, marine biology and research, and Pacific ecosystems.

Asia was a real charmer who was trying hard to grow up. She had a talent for science and math and dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. She also enjoyed dancing and jumping rope double-Dutch style. At times it was a challenge to keep Asia busy and her teachers looked for extra opportunities to expand her horizons. Her math and science magnet school had state-of-art computer equipment and technology. Asia had special computer skills and wanted her classmates to learn as much as she did about computers. She loved to learn and was off to a great start at her first year in middle school.

Asia's mom talks about her little girl:

"Asia, the little girl with the infectious grin. She loved to laugh, she loved to smile, she loved people and she loved God. She loved girl things like Tweety Bird and Barbies, jump ropes and purses, and she had wisdom beyond her years. She was everything a mom could hope for in a child. I miss her every minute."

Asia was decked in her "Tweety gear" upon boarding her flight.

Alan Rockline of Olney, MD, left a personal promise to Asia her memorial page:

"Dear Asia, Your picture is on our fridge. I just tried to explain 9-11 to my 7 year old. She doesn't understand. I promise to take her to your bench at the Pentagon, and I also promise that she will know you."

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember Bernard Curtis Brown II

Today we remember 11-year-old Bernard Curtis Brown II of Washington, D.C., who was aboard American Flight 77 on Sept. 11.

Bernard was one of three exceptional middle-school students headed for a four-day educational adventure to the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary off the California coast, accompanied by their teachers. Each youngster was a star student. This unique adventure was a reward for that. They had a schedule full of exciting things to do: A boat trip to search for marine mammals and seabirds; the island hike to study native and introduced species; the kayaking above kelp forests to view sea caves, and much more.

Bernard Brown along with 2 classmates, Asia Cottom, and Rodney Dickens, from Leckie Elementary, climbed aboard the jets high on life, as only innocent children can be. Their last moments were filled with ghastly horror. Too young to comprehend evil, the Pokemon fan, the basketball fanatic and the Tweety Bird lover, were assassinated by terrorists on Sept. 11.

Bernard, praised for his spelling, drawing and zest for living, was one of 64 people aboard American Airlines Flight 77 that slammed into the Pentagon – the workplace of Bernard's father. He was clever, a quick wit, the kind of boy who kept his teachers on their toes. Estella Cleveland, who taught his fifth-grade class a year before Sept. 11 at Leckie Elementary School in Southeast Washington, loved him. "He was fun-loving," she said. "He was the joy of the class."

Bernard just loved basketball. He’d been playing since he was 7. He tried football, but he couldn’t, because of his asthma. He played soccer at 5. As he got older, he would just go out and shoot baskets. He usually got up Saturday morning, about 8 in the morning, and he’d just go outside and dribble, shoot. The goal was right outside our neighbors’ bedroom window. He would play by himself in the mornings, or his dad would go out and play with him. Sometimes his mother would, or his sister. The neighborhood kids would come and play once they got up. He always said he was going to be a star; that he was going to play professional basketball some day.

Sinita Brown, Bernard’s mother, recalls September 11:

"Everybody was calling me at my job because they knew my husband worked at the Pentagon”. A golf outing had Bernard Sr. out of the office that day. But Sinita Brown's relief quickly turned to grief when she learned it was her son's flight that hit the Pentagon.

As it turns out, Bernard Sr. had a serious heart-to-heart with his "happy, loving child" who was apprehensive about flying.

"To be honest," Brown told NBC, "we talked about death. And I just told him, 'Don't be afraid. … Just listen to what the people tell you, and the instructions. You'll be all right; you'll be fine.'

He said, 'Daddy, I’m scared,' and I said, 'Hey, don't be scared; don't be afraid to die. Because we are all going to die someday.'"

Unlike many 11-year-olds, Bernard "lived to go to school," according to his mother.

The ambitious basketball player had just purchased a pair of Air Jordan sneakers. He was wearing the treasured shoes on Sept. 11.

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember FF Robert "Bob" McPadden

Today we remember FF Robert "Bob" McPadden, 30, Engine 23.

Robert McPadden had a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice but he wanted to be a firefighter. His late father Michael McFadden was a firefighter with the FDNY, retiring after 35 years as a Lieutenant.

Bob was the youngest of five children and the family entertainer. He was a great baseball and basketball player, but he also enjoyed skateboarding with his friends, playing guitar and making mixed tapes of his favorite songs. He met his wife Kate in 1994, and they married four years later.

In November 1999, Bob finally got the call to join the FDNY, and he loved the job from day one. Quiet at first, Bob was the “perfect probie.” The first few tours he didn’t say much and was quick to help out with chores around the house. He ate his meals at lightening speed so he could be the first one done and collect everyone else’s dishes.

As a new member of the crew he happily peeled potatoes, washed dishes and led schoolchildren around Engine Company 23 in Manhattan, saying: "Hi! I’m Fireman Bob!”

Bob slowly opened up and began to joke with the guys, allowing his true personality and sharp wit to come out. Bob loved everything about the job – learning the science of fighting fires, preparing and sharing meals, playing practical jokes, and most of all the late night conversations. Bob always enjoyed a good debate. He was a great conversationalist and a walking encyclopedia of trivia, impressing everyone by knowing all the answers to“Jeopardy!”

On Sept. 11, Bob and his station colleagues were2 one of the first units to arrive on the scene. They were caught when the South tower collapsed. No one in his family had heard from him all day, before or after the attacks. The next morning, Bob’s brother, Michael, a police officer, asked a fellow cop to drive him to the city to confront Ground Zero. He didn’t want to give up hope, but also knew that it was time to come to terms with what had really happened. Standing in front of Ground Zero, that is when the enormity of it all hit him, and he knew.

One picture of his brother he would forever cherish was of the FDNY Division of Training's family day, when the entire McPadden clan watched the youngest member rappel off a building as part of a demonstration.

"To see him that day, you knew he was a man," McPadden said. "He had a sense of duty and responsibility. You just knew that he had found what he loved to do. And he loved being a fireman."

Last summer was truly his championship season. He hit the tying run that helped Engine Company 38 win the Bronx title. His young marriage glowed. Kate and he were a day away from moving to Pearl River, N.Y., near his mother and siblings. So excited was Firefighter McPadden about life that he would shout, "We won, Kate, we won!"

"He had a great, hearty laugh, and we always had such a wonderful time together," his wife recalled. "He was very smart, not so much in a book sense but in terms of being savvy and sharp." "He was definitely my soulmate, it was love at first sight.” "He loved his family and he loved his job."

As fate would have it, in May 1999 he wrote his graduate thesis on antiterrorist legislation. The 55-page thesis discussed major issues regarding the need for antiterrorism laws, including a look at airline security and the practice of profiling passengers to identify potential terrorists.

In his final chapter, Bob wrote,

“How great a tragedy must occur before meaningful legislation passes that would effectively combat terrorism?”

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember FF Sean Hanley

Today we remember FF Sean Hanley, age 35, Ladder Co. 20 FDNY.

Sean had second thoughts about being a firefighter several years ago when three friends died in the line of duty. But his two grandfathers, father and a brother were firefighters, and he decided the job was in his blood - no matter what the risk.

On Sept. 11, Sean finished his night shift as a firefighter with Ladder Co. 20 in the SoHo section of Manhattan and planned to stop by his friend's midtown office. As he drove away in his black truck at around 8:45 a.m., he flipped on the radio and heard that the Twin Towers were on fire; he rushed directly to the World Trade Center.

Sean was a tough guy on the outside, softy on the inside. He was a prankster in the firehouse and loved to play jokes.

"He was a soft-hearted guy who would cry at the drop of a hat, yet he would go and fight for whoever needed it," said his father, Gerald. "He was All-American, just like all the boys who went down."

On her 60th birthday, Sean's mother got a bouquet of 60 roses from him. And once when his brother Gerry mentioned that his child-care arrangements had fallen through, Sean was on a plane to take off to a vacation in Vegas. It didn't matter, he got off the plane and he said he'd help. Las Vegas, he figured, could wait.

Kevin Hanley, left this note for his brother Sean:

Dear Sean,

One of my great brothers, I do not even know were to start but I will start by saying I love you and miss you more than you can even imagine. We shared a lot of great and personal moments. I remember when I was little and we used to put the boxing gloves on and you used to pummel me, that one time when I caught you with one and gave you a bloody nose. I thought that was the best day of my life at the time. I also remember that you were always there for me when I needed to talk to someone. I will never forget all the great and exciting times we shared, I love you Sean and will miss you with all my heart, you are a great, caring, sensitive, wonderful, courageous, inspiring, talented, funny, tough and all the greatest things I could possibly think of. You’re the man, you gave your life for others and I will always hold you in my heart as my idol and hero, not because of what happen because you always have been. I will be thinking, dreaming and talking to you for the rest of my life.

I LOVE YOU SEAN

YOU ARE MY HERO

Your Brother

Kevin

We Will Never Forget!

Today We Remember David Ortiz

Today we remember David Ortiz, a Locksmith from Nanuet, New York, who worked for the Port Authority.

David was one of the Heroes of September 11th. He knew the layout of the World Trade Center complex like the back of his hand. And after the attacks came, he went back in to help. He was one of 13 civilians who was posthumously awarded a Medal of Honor for his service on September 11, 2001.

He was a family man, with a sense of humor. When David wasn't working overtime on the weekends to pay for renovations to their house, he was fishing with his then fourteen-year old son, Richard, spreading joy to those around him, or riding his blue Harley Davidson. He enjoyed playing practical jokes on his co-workers in the WTC Lock Shop. He left behind his wife, Lillian, and two children: Richard, and Crystal who was 6. He was very close to his brother, Martin, and his sister, Maria.

"The reason he is missing is because he was trying to help people," his friend and co-worker Mr. Achee said. "We didn't know it was an attack. I went to give back-up batteries to the other workers on the West Side Highway, and he stayed back to prevent people from going into 4 World Trade Center."

A young lady named Nelly, who's father worked with David, wrote this note for the Ortiz family:

To the Ortiz family,

David knew me as Nelly. My dad Domingo also worked at the World Trade Center. My dad and David always used to have breakfast waiting for me right before I started school, which happened to be across the street. He was the nicest person. I remember once when he came to my house to fix the locks, I thought he was the funniest guy ever.

On the morning of Sept. 11 I was watching T.V. and as soon as I heard what happened, I tried to get in contact with my dad. A few minutes later I spoke to him and he was already outside with David. I almost remember hearing David’s voice telling my dad to go back inside with him to help. My dad was the last one to see him....

Later, my dad told me that David had gone back inside. He tried to convince him not to go because it was too dangerous, but he still went. I remember David talking about his family so much. I want to tell his family that David died a Hero. There are people that survived because he led them to life, and today, he lives through them. There is not a day I don't remember you David.

David, I dedicated my high school diploma to you because you always encouraged me to do well in school. You used to say that I should work for the Port Authority Police Department, and that's my next step. And in a few years from now, when I do make it in, I will dedicate my shield to you.

Love, Nelly

We Will Never Forget!