Tag Archives: Squad Co. 288

Firefighter Timothy Welty

Timothy Welty, 34, joined the FDNY in 1993. Very athletic, Welty was strong enough to do two-finger pull-ups or pushups, or raise a heavy maul off the floor with a straight arm. He enjoyed bungee-jumping, parachuting, mountain climbing, hockey, ski- … Continue reading

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Firefighter Adam Rand

Adam Rand, 30, grew up wanting to be a firefighter, and joined the FDNY in 1995. Rand was a volunteer firefighter in Bellmore, Long Island, in charge of training. Fighting fires was his calling. On August 25th, he had become … Continue reading

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Firefighter Jonathan Ielpi

Jonathan Ielpi, 29, was a very talented hockey player who gave it up completely when he joined the FDNY just so he would never injure himself and impair his work as a firefighter. That’s how much he loved the job. … Continue reading

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Firefighter Joseph Hunter

Joseph Hunter, 32, was 6’2” and a “stunningly handsome” bachelor. He loved fire trucks from when he was a little boy and would race his Big Wheel to the corner to watch every time he heard the siren wail. Later … Continue reading

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Firefighter Ronnie Gies

Ronnie Gies, 43, graduated Probie School in 1988 and by 1990 had moved into Special Operations with Squad 288 in Queens. For 25 years, Gies had also been a volunteer firefighter in Merrick, Long Island where he lived. He was … Continue reading

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Lt. Ronald Kerwin

Lt. Ronnie Kerwin, 42, was “the fun parent” according to his wife, always suggesting family outings. Some of these were spontaneous, some were planned. All were fun. Appointed in 1981, Kerwin was a 20-year veteran with the FDNY and a … Continue reading

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