James Gray, 34, drove a NYC bus for six years while waiting to be called up. “He wanted the action,” said his wife. Following his father into the department, he became a firefighter in 1996. He was studying for his Lieutenant’s test that September and working overtime on the morning of 9/11. Gray left behind two daughters, 8 and 6, whom he called at 7:30 that morning to wish them a good day at school. The men of Ladder Co. 20 were last reported seen around the 35th floor of Tower One.
I will be climbing 110 stories on Sept 20th 2015 at a 9/11 memorial in honor of James and the ultimate sacrifice he gave that fateful morning.
I climbed in honor of James in the Dallas 9/12 memorial climb. I too have a truck at my station, I too studied to become a Lieutenant. I honor and remember James amd would like to tell his wife and his two girls that he will never be forgotten and that his memory will always live on. His picture and spirit and memory hang in my locker at work, reminding me of the call to go in when all else are going out. You remind us of the bravery we are called to uphold as our regular daily duty. Thank you for your courage and sacrifice.