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Firefighter Lovers, 548 Market Street #14148, San Francisco, CA (2026)

01/17/2026

In September 2003, Michael Ragusa was finally laid to rest—the last of the 343 FDNY firefighters lost at the World Trade Center to receive a burial. What remained of him was only a small vial of blood, placed with care inside his casket. Through tears, his mother spoke words that still echo with heartbreak: “It’s hard to fathom—no trace of so many people. It can’t happen that way. People don’t just disappear.” His sacrifice, and the sacrifice of all 343, will never be forgotten.

01/03/2026

Every person lost on 9/11 was somebody special — someone with dreams, families, and people who loved them deeply. Each name at the memorial represents a story, and every story stays with us in a different way.

For me, I’ve been thinking a lot about Ruth McCourt, her 4-year-old daughter Juliana, and their friend Paige Farley-Hackel. They were traveling that morning — Ruth and Juliana on United 175, Paige on American 11 — planning to attend a wellness seminar in Los Angeles and then visit Disney together. Their lives, and even their travel plans, became tragically bound by the events of that day.

And then there’s Ruth’s brother, Ron Clifford, who was at the Marriott Hotel at the World Trade Center. By a cruel twist of fate, he was also caught in the middle of that terrible day, losing his sister, niece, and friend in the skies above while witnessing the destruction unfold on the ground.

It breaks my heart to think about their last moments, but I also believe it’s important to remember their lives — who they were, the love they shared, and the dreams they carried. That’s how we truly honor them.

💙 Which story from 9/11 has stayed with you the most over the years

01/03/2026

In September 2003, Michael Ragusa was finally laid to rest—the last of the 343 FDNY firefighters lost at the World Trade Center to receive a burial. What remained of him was only a small vial of blood, placed with care inside his casket. Through tears, his mother spoke words that still echo with heartbreak: “It’s hard to fathom—no trace of so many people. It can’t happen that way. People don’t just disappear.” His sacrifice, and the sacrifice of all 343, will never be forgotten.

12/26/2025

In September 2003, Michael Ragusa became the last of the 343 FDNY firefighters who died at the World Trade Center to be laid to rest. All that remained of him was a vial of blood, placed gently inside his casket. His mother shared through tears, “It’s hard to fathom: no trace of so many people. It can’t happen that way. People don’t just disappear.”

12/25/2025

FDNY Firefighter Who Recovered His Brother’s Body After 9/11 Dies from 9/11-Related Cancer

🚒 Daniel R. Foley – Rescue 3 / Ladder 49
Daniel “Danny” Foley, born May 14, 1973, joined the New York Fire Department in 1998 and served 21 years, first with Ladder 49 in the Bronx before transferring to the department’s storied Rescue Company 3
On September 11, 2001, Danny watched his older brother, Thomas Foley (a firefighter with Rescue 3), respond to the attack—but Tommy never came home. Falling deeply committed, Danny voluntarily joined Rescue 3's efforts, swearing to his parents, “I won’t come home until I bring my brother home.” Eleven days later, Danny located Thomas’s remains in the rubble of the World Trade Center
Even after recovering his brother, Danny returned daily to Ground Zero, working in recovery operations until May 2002. His dedication saw him cited ten times for bravery and awarded three department medals for his rescue actions
Fire Hero
After retiring in 2019 at age 46, Danny was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer attributed to exposure at Ground Zero. On February 22, 2020, he passed away—a poignant reminder of the ongoing toll borne by first responders
FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said, “Danny's mark didn’t stop in the firehouse... he was a great man before that, a great father and husband.” Rescue 3 remembered him as the embodiment of a true firefighter, and as of his passing he had become the 221st FDNY member to die from a 9/11-related illness

Danny Foley’s story is one of profound courage and enduring love—and a reminder that the sacrifices of 9/11 extend far beyond that single day. His selfless determination to recover his brother and serve his community continues to inspire firefighters and citizens alike. #

12/25/2025

FDNY Firefighter Thomas “Tommy” Dunn: A Survivor of 9/11 Who Faced Decades of Struggle

Thomas “Tommy” Dunn, a firefighter with the FDNY, miraculously survived both the North and South Tower collapses on September 11, 2001. Tragically, after years of battling the physical and emotional consequences of the attacks, he took his own life on February 1, 2025.

Tommy had been a new recruit, less than a year on the job, when the attacks occurred. On the morning of 9/11, he was on an EMS call and had just returned to his Brooklyn station when the first plane struck the North Tower. He rushed to the scene, and moments later, found himself heading toward the South Tower as it came crashing down over lower Manhattan. Amid the smoke and chaos, Tommy selflessly shared his own oxygen supply with civilians trapped in the debris.

After the collapse, he spent months at Ground Zero, helping fellow first responders dig through the rubble to recover victims. The exposure and trauma from that day left lasting scars, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and respiratory issues such as asthma.

The FDNY’s Family Assistance Unit confirmed his death and shared a tribute:

“It is with deep regret the department announces the passing of retired Firefighter Thomas Dunn, Engine Company E234, who succumbed to a WTC-related illness. FF Dunn served our great department with honor and dedication for seven years, answering the call when his city needed him most. A private service will be held in Florida. May his memory be a blessing, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Tommy’s uncle, Vince Dunn, a former FDNY commander, remembered him as “special” and expressed sorrow over the struggles Tommy faced in the years following 9/11. Vince highlighted the toll the attacks had taken, noting that many 9/11 survivors in the fire service continue to wrestle with PTSD.

In a 2002 interview with ABC News, Tommy described the terrifying moment the South Tower collapsed:

“I looked up and could very clearly see the entire top section of the tower had collapsed and was falling on us. Everyone separated, scattered. I had maybe eight to ten seconds to run, and it overtook you. I fell down, but I don’t remember stopping. Everybody was already gagging and coughing from the debris in the air. I remember just cursing over and over again. The radios were full of maydays.”

Colleagues and friends remembered Tommy for his courage and professionalism, even as a new firefighter. Joseph Pasquarello recalled:

“On 9/11, I met Tommy as we survived the collapse of the South Tower. He was just out of the Academy but conducted himself as a seasoned professional, helping people before the debris stopped landing. Tommy supplied his own mask and air to civilians and me. Rest easy, brother, and may God bless you.”

Peter Blaich, another colleague, added:

“It seems like yesterday we were turning out and fighting fires. For working with Tommy, it was indeed an honor. Tonight, I will raise a toast to all the brothers from Schenectady Avenue.”

Tommy’s death highlights a grim reality: in the years following 9/11, more than 370 FDNY members have died due to WTC-related illnesses, exceeding the 343 firefighters who died on the day of the attacks. Toxic dust and debris exposed first responders to hazardous substances, leaving lasting physical and mental health impacts.

Thomas Dunn’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring toll of 9/11. His life and service will be remembered by his family, colleagues, and all who honor the heroes of that day.

12/23/2025

55 – A Brief History and 9/11 Role

Engine 55, located in Little Italy, Manhattan, has served New York City since the late 1800s. Known for its historic firehouse at 363 Broome Street, the company has been an integral part of the FDNY for over a century.

On September 11, 2001, Engine 55 responded immediately after the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Like many FDNY units, they raced into Lower Manhattan to assist with evacuation and firefighting efforts.

Tragically, five members of Engine 55 lost their lives when the Twin Towers collapsed:

Lieutenant Paul T. Mitchell, 46

Firefighter Robert Lane, 28

Firefighter David Weiss, 41

Firefighter Michael Weinberg, 34

Firefighter Anthony Rodriguez, 36

These men were among the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice that day.

Engine 55’s firehouse became a memorial site in the weeks and months after the attacks. Photos, flowers, and tributes lined the building, honoring the fallen.

Adding to its unique story, actor Steve Buscemi, a former firefighter with Engine 55 (1980–1984), returned to the firehouse on 9/11. For days, he worked alongside firefighters at Ground Zero, helping with rescue and recovery efforts—quietly and without seeking recognition.

Today, Engine 55 continues to serve New York City proudly, carrying the legacy of bravery and sacrifice from September 11.

FDNY Squad 18 – History & 9/11 Role

18 is one of the FDNY’s Special Operations Command (SOC) units, located at 132 West 10th Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Originally organized in April 1, 1865, as Engine Company 18, the company transitioned to a Squad Company on July 1, 1998. Squad companies are elite units trained in advanced firefighting, rescue, and hazardous materials operations.

On September 11, 2001, Squad 18 responded to the World Trade Center after the first plane hit the North Tower. As a Special Operations unit, they were assigned critical search and rescue missions inside the towers.

Lost Members of Squad 18 on 9/11:

Captain Denis M. Cross, 60

Lieutenant Kevin C. Dowdell, 46

Firefighter Joseph Angelini Jr., 38

Firefighter Michael Carroll, 39

Firefighter Thomas J. Langone, 39

Firefighter Peter L. Vega, 36

All six members perished when the towers collapsed. Their courage and sacrifice are honored at the FDNY Memorial Wall and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

In the days following, Squad 18’s firehouse became a site of mourning and remembrance. Today, the unit continues its mission as part of the FDNY Special Operations Command, carrying forward the memory of its fallen brothers.

– History & 9/11 Role

Ladder Company 20 (L20) is located in Chinatown, Manhattan, at 253 Lafayette Street. Established in 1888, Ladder 20 has served Lower Manhattan for over a century, protecting neighborhoods like SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown.

On September 11, 2001, Ladder 20 responded to the World Trade Center after the first plane struck the North Tower. Their mission was to assist with evacuation and rescue efforts inside the towers.

The Fallen of Ladder 20 on 9/11:

Captain William F. Burke Jr., 46

Firefighter Paul Pansini, 30

Firefighter Sean P. Tallon, 26

Captain Burke made an extraordinary act of heroism that day. While evacuating civilians from the North Tower, he refused to leave two trapped civilians who couldn’t escape without help. He ordered his men out to safety but stayed behind with the victims—knowing the risk. All three were killed when the tower collapsed at 10:28 a.m.

Aftermath & Legacy

In the aftermath of 9/11, Ladder 20’s firehouse became a sanctuary for firefighters, families, and the community. Their sacrifice is commemorated at the FDNY Memorial Wall and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

Captain Burke is remembered for his selfless courage—choosing duty and compassion over his own life. #

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