Firefighter Sean Hanley

Sean Hanley, 35, came from generations of firefighters: both grandfathers, his father and his brother had been with the FDNY. With five years in the department, Hanley had a reputation as a prankster around Ladder Co. 20, with gags like shaving cream on the phone. This big man (6’4”) had finished the night shift that morning and was driving to midtown to see a friend when he heard about the WTC attack on the radio. He turned around and drove south to the Trade Centers.  Like so many others off duty, his choice was to respond. He had become a firefighter because “he really wanted to help people.”