William Johnston, 31, was an ironworker for the Transit Authority like his father, maintaining the elevated tracks in the system until an opening in the FDNY became available in 1999. Normally based with Engine 276 in Brooklyn, Billy was on rotation to Ladder 6. He was very athletic and had such a dynamite kick as a soccer player that he was enlisted to kick the football for the FDNY team.
This bachelor had been looking forward to being an uncle for the first time and was planning to attend the baby shower on September 30th. His family had been hoping he would be found before then, but the 30th came with no news. In fact, his remains were found that afternoon, although the family didn’t learn until the next day. Upon hearing, his mother exclaimed: “See, he’s never let me down.”