Firefighter Denis Germain had three citations for bravery in seven years with the FDNY. He loved to ski and was always one of the best skiers for the department’s annual downhill race at Hunter Mountain. Teams of 5 spread out along a 50-ft hose and race down the mountain – no poles – hopefully staying upright and not letting go. Inevitably hoses get tangled and hilariousness ensues. Germain, 33, was also a ski instructor and trained high school racing teams. “He was the role model you want your child to grow up to be.”