Kevin Smith, 47, was a former Marine who brought military discipline to everything he did. A member of Haz-Mat from its beginning in 1984, Smith was present at many major disasters. On this day, he was perhaps the very first to report the attack to HQ. He was standing on the apron smoking a cigarette with a clear view of lower Manhattan when he saw the plane fly into WTC1.
When a disaster occurred, he always called his wife so she wouldn’t hear about it first on the news. That morning he called her at 8:50 on the ride in. He sounded excited. “He almost sounded like Superman snapping at his cape,” she said.
He was the father of eight grown kids. He would often take the holiday shifts so that others with younger children could have time with their families. Of his five sons, four followed him into the military or the fire department. One was an EMT who was injured on 9/11. The entire Smith family volunteered on weekends with the East Farmingdale Fire Department, the Mastic Fire Department, and the Mastic Ambulance Company. It was a family affair.
He was last seen in the lobby of Tower One. His remains have never been found.
Gave so much to so many. So sad, he is a hero and will be remembered. I am a former Shirkey and Mastic Ambulance member. We were a community that worked together. Many memories. Kevin was a wonderful guy.
Kevin and I were High School Sweethearts. We did everything together! He loved being with family. We spent so much time with our families! My family loved him very much. I loved being with his loving family! His Mom and Dad were amazing, his sisters and brothers all so genuine. I was with his parents for his graduation from Marine Boot Camp in N. Carolina! He conveyed to me so often how much he loved his country, how he longed to make a difference in the lives of others and be a part of something great in our nation. His legacy carries on which is evident in his amazing children. We reconnected a few years before 911! I’m forever broken-hearted, RIP dear Kevin ( “junky”, as we all nick named him in High School) I will forever Love you. Josette