Tag Archives: Manhattan

Firefighter John Collins

John Collins decided at 4-years-old that he wanted to be a fireman when he grew up. For some kids, one trip to the firehouse is all it takes. When he was old enough to actually apply there were no openings … Continue reading

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Firefighter Matthew Barnes

On March 11, 1999, firefighter Matthew Barnes was instrumental in the rescue of two six-week-old babies from the ninth floor of a raging apartment building fire on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. In most circumstances, a 100-foot aerial ladder … Continue reading

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Lt. Glenn Perry

Lt. Glenn Perry’s father was a retired FDNY Captain. His older brother was on the force; another with the NYPD. Glenn began his uniformed service career with the New York City Police Department in 1982, but he always wanted to … Continue reading

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Stories of the Marriott Hotel

Some time back I shared some of the stories about the Marriott Hotel from Firehouse Magazine’s “WTC: In Their Own Words.” Now, after posting the painting of Ruben Correa, I thought I would share a little more. Engine 74 was assigned … Continue reading

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Firefighter Ruben Correa

Ruben Correa, 44, was a 13-year veteran of the FDNY. He was the only member of Engine 74 to not make it home on 9/11. Besides his job and his family, Ruben loved riding his mountain bike and fishing. He … Continue reading

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Firefighter Robert Curatolo

Some firefighters saved their lives on 9/11 by diving under fire trucks. For others it became their tomb. Robert Curatolo, 31, had finished his shift with Ladder 16 at 9AM that morning, but hitched a ride in with a 19th … Continue reading

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Lt. Raymond Murphy

Lieutenant Raymond Murphy of Ladder 16 entered the FDNY Academy in 1982. Quite soon after he knew he had found his calling. In September 2000 he was promoted to Lieutenant. Apparently a disinterest in school as a youngster led the … Continue reading

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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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