Monthly Archives: December 2014

Firefighter Brian Bilcher

Brian Bilcher, 37, was “Captain America” to his wife, and “Tugboat” to his brothers at Squad 1.
 His first child, a son, was born on August 29th, just two weeks before 9/11. A 10-year veteran, Bilcher played guard on the … Continue reading

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Lt. Michael Esposito

Lt. Michael Esposito, 41, was posthumously promoted to Captain after 9/11. Nicknamed “Mel” after an “average guy” character in a Rodney Dangerfield movie, Esposito was on a 24 hour shift. Esposito had responded with the NYC Search & Rescue team … Continue reading

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Lt. Edward D’Atri

At 38, Lt. Edward D’Atri was a 16-year FDNY veteran. Off duty on 9/11, D’Atri left his Staten Island home around the same time his Squad left their firehouse. He was last seen going up a stairwell in Tower One, … Continue reading

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Capt. James Amato

Capt. James Amato, 43, was posthumously promoted to Battalion Chief. He loved the fire department and he loved being in the thick of the action, which is why – even tho he was assigned to a busy ladder company – … Continue reading

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Firefighter Michael Bocchino

 

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B. C. Joseph Grzelak

Battalion Chief Joseph Grzelak went straight from high school into the Marine Corps, spending 1968 and 1969 in Vietnam. He was discharged as a Sergeant in 1970 and appointed to FDNY in 1973. After that was a slow but steady … Continue reading

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Firefighter Peter Vega

  Peter Vega, 6’3”, had the nickname of “Big Head” for the obvious reason, which required a special helmet. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Vega was proud of his mixed Irish and Puerto Rican heritage. His family moved to … Continue reading

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Firefighter Leon Smith, Jr.

Leon Smith Jr., 48, wanted to be a firefighter since he was nine years old. Even as a kid he would hang out at the local station. In February of ‘82, his dream came true and he was appointed to … Continue reading

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Firefighter Scott Davidson

Scott Davidson, 33, was an all around athlete and “true team player” who nonetheless won more than his share of MVPs. He played on baseball and basketball teams all through college, and was named captain in his senior year. A … Continue reading

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Firefighter Vernon Cherry

Vernon Cherry would have turned 50 that October. After 28 years as a firefighter, and 19 with Ladder 118, he had been planning to retire at end of 2001. Famous throughout the FDNY for his voice, his wife said “you … Continue reading

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