Thomas Butler, 37, was a 12-year FDNY veteran. With the NYPD before joining the FDNY, Butler still worked part time as the Bay Constable in Smithtown, Long Island. He was a military history buff and Naval reservist. His father, Captain William Butler, FDNY retired, died in July of 2013 from “site-related pulmonary fibrosis,” acquired in the months he spent at Ground Zero working to find remains. He traded shifts with another son, a lieutenant with the Port Authority Police who worked the night shift; Captain Butler worked days. Butler left behind three children under five. The christening for the youngest had just been held that September 9th.
When Butler “wasn’t with the fire department he was out on the water” and it is at the beach that his family has built a memorial. Thomas Butler’s remains have not been found.