Tag Archives: Ladder Co. 13

Firefighter Gregory Stajk

Gregory Stajk was known as “Bro” around Ladder 13. He was a championship pitcher in high school and college, landed a couple tryouts for the majors but didn’t make the cut. So he pursued his other dream which was to … Continue reading

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Firefighter Thomas Sabella

Thomas Sabella of Tower Ladder 13 grew tomatoes and cucumbers in his Staten Island garden and made his own red wine which he bottled and gave away as gifts. In 1999 New York City honored him for rescuing a man … Continue reading

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Firefighter Dennis McHugh

Dennis McHugh, 34, was the “good probie” at the FDNY Fire Academy says his friend, Chris Gainer, the “bad probie” of the class. He had a reputation in his family of being “about as perfect as you can get,” doing … Continue reading

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Firefighter Thomas Hetzel

Firefighter Thomas Hetzel of Ladder 13 was a 5-year veteran of the FDNY and danced the polka. Proud of his German heritage, he also played German music, went to German festivals, and cooked German meals – both at home and … Continue reading

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Capt. Walter Hynes

Walter Hynes, the captain of Ladder 13, had 23 years with the FDNY. He graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and put himself through St. John’s University Law School by attending night classes. His extended family relied on … Continue reading

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