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 – he applied to get into the rescue division so he could always be one of the first to respond. That’s what brought him to Squad One. Throughout his career he made it a practice to go to all firefighter funerals and every fundraiser for the Widows and Orphans Fund. His wife said she now understands why he did this and appreciates this gesture he made, because now she is the recipient. “Now I look at it, it was a commitment, a brotherhood at the firehouse. He was very passionate about his job.”
He left behind four children.
I was recently at the 911 Memorial & saw James Amato.
James Amato & Andrew from the Bronx, NY are first cousins whom we lost contact with many years ago.
I would love to know if this man who is a hero is my first cousins Son?
Hi Barbara, I was looking up info on the people lost in 9/11. I believe James Amato was my Grandmothers nephew. Years ago my grandmother gave me a family tree. I am going to find it to see if he is on there. I am 99% sure it was James as her maiden name was Amato and I remember hearing the stories of that day and some drama after which aligns with some of the articles I have read today. You can email me if you would like. If I can find that family tree I may be able to find that info for you