Monthly Archives: June 2014

Lt. Philip Petti

Although Lt. Philip Petti dreamed of being a firefighter when he was a kid, he tried a few other jobs before joining the FDNY. By 2001 Petti had 18 years on the force and loved every part of the job. … Continue reading

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B.C. Orio Palmer

Orio Palmer was the Battalion Chief of Battalion 7, and among the most visited faces of Better Angels on tour. 45-years-old, a 20-year FDNY vet, father of three, marathoner and 5x winner of the FDNY’s physical fitness award – which … Continue reading

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Firefighter Jeffrey Walz

  The final member of Ladder 9 to list is Jeffrey Walz, a 37-year-old firefighter who left a career in engineering to follow his father into the fire service. He met his wife when his unit was called to a … Continue reading

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Firefighter John Tierney

  27-year-old John Tierney was still a probie in the FDNY, having graduated the academy only in July. That morning he had just finished his shift when the call came in. He was told he didn’t need to respond, but … Continue reading

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Firefighter Gerard Baptiste

  Gerard Baptiste was called “Biscuit” for his habit of carrying dog treats in this pockets for the neighborhood dogs who walked by the station. They were a great conversation starter for whoever was on the other end of the … Continue reading

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Firefighter Keithroy Maynard

  Keithroy Maynard was recruited to the department by his father, a firefighter of 36 years. Keith soon joined the Vulcan Society, an organization of black firefighters. He made it his mission to help bring more black firefighters into the … Continue reading

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Firefighter Robert King, Jr.

Firefighter Robert King, Jr., was a father of three. A master carpenter in his spare time, he loved making furniture including bunk beds for his boys, deck chairs to give as gifts, and “a beautiful trestle table for his firehouse … Continue reading

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Firefighter Robert Evans

  His sense of humor earned Robert Evans the nickname of “Jerry Lewis” at Engine Company 33. This 36-year-old had been in the FDNY for 7 years on 9/11. His mother wrote that his parting words to everyone were always … Continue reading

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Firefighter Michael Boyle

  Like his close friend David Arce, Firefighter Michael Boyle had just finished the night shift when the alarms rang and he jumped on the truck to ride in “heavy.” A 37-year-old champion marathoner, he followed his father into the … Continue reading

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Firefighter David Arce

  David Arce, 36, was nicknamed “Buddha” “because of his strong belief that his purpose in life was to aid and serve.” He had just finished his night shift that morning but accompanied his best friend Michael Boyle in responding … Continue reading

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