Monthly Archives: December 2014

Firefighter Brian Bilcher

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

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 →

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, better angels, Brian Bilcher, Dawn Siebel, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, NFFF, paintings, portraits, Squad One, World Trade Center, WTC | Leave a comment

Lt. Michael Esposito

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

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 →

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, better angels, Dawn Siebel, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, Michael Esposito, NFFF, paintings, portraits, Squad One, World Trade Center, WTC | Leave a comment

Lt. Edward D’Atri

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

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 →

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, better angels, Dawn Siebel, Edward D'Atri, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, NFFF, paintings, portraits, Squad One, World Trade Center, WTC | Leave a comment

Capt. James Amato

Posted on December 28, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

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 →

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, better angels, Dawn Siebel, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, James Amato, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, NFFF, paintings, portraits, Squad One, World Trade Center, WTC | 2 Comments

Firefighter Michael Bocchino

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, Battalion 48, better angels, Dawn Siebel, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, Michael Bocchino, NFFF, paintings, portraits, World Trade Center, WTC | Leave a comment

B. C. Joseph Grzelak

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

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 →

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, Battalion 48, better angels, Dawn Siebel, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, Joseph Grzelak, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, NFFF, paintings, portraits, World Trade Center, WTC | Leave a comment

Firefighter Peter Vega

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

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 →

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, better angels, Dawn Siebel, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, Ladder Co. 118, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, NFFF, paintings, Peter Vega, portraits, World Trade Center, WTC | Leave a comment

Firefighter Leon Smith, Jr.

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

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 →

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, better angels, Dawn Siebel, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, Ladder Co. 118, Leon Smith Jr, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, NFFF, paintings, portraits, World Trade Center, WTC | 1 Comment

Firefighter Scott Davidson

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

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 →

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, better angels, Dawn Siebel, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, Ladder Co. 118, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, NFFF, paintings, portraits, Scott Davidson, World Trade Center, WTC | Leave a comment

Firefighter Vernon Cherry

Posted on December 20, 2014 by Dawn Siebel

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 →

Posted in Better Angels Stories | Tagged 343, 9/11, better angels, Dawn Siebel, FDNY, firefighter, firefighters, firefighters of 9/11, Ladder Co. 118, LODD, Manhattan, memorial, NFFF, paintings, portraits, Vernon Cherry, World Trade Center, WTC | 1 Comment