Belfast native Roger Smyth moved to the U.S. five years ago and for the last three and a half years has worked at New York University Hospital's downtown location on Gold and Beekman Streets, a few blocks from the World Trade Center.
At about 8:50 on the morning of September 11, Smyth was at home in Park Slope, Brooklyn, when a friend called to tell him that a plane had struck … [Read more...] about Roger Smyth:
NYC 911 Paramedic
Irish Heroes
Roger Smyth:
The Final Note
The Pipes and Drums Bands of the Fire and Police Departments were on hand to plat a final farewell to colleagues. In the past, New York has had many happy associations with the sound of bagpipes, including the rousing jubilation of the bands marching up 5th Avenue on St. Patrick's Day. The tragically high number of fatalities amongst the police and fire departments -- 343 in … [Read more...] about The Final Note
Dr. Kerry Kelly:
FDNY’s Chief Medical Officer
The next time there's a tragic fire in New York City, it's a good bet Kerry Kelly will be on the scene. Her Dad is a retired FDNY Lieutenant. Her grandfather was a firefighter. One of her three brothers also works for the department.
But Kelly is not one of the growing numbers of women joining the firefighters' ranks. Though a trailblazer, her path to the FDNY included stops … [Read more...] about Dr. Kerry Kelly:
FDNY’s Chief Medical Officer
The Chief’s Last Stand
Chief Ray Downey, one of the most respected firefighters of all, will be remembered for his courage, passion and commitment. Firefighter Chuck Downey stands on First Avenue in Manhattan and nods his head to the south and west, in the general direction of what used to be the World Trade Center. The silent gesture is instantly understood, a bit of body language that since … [Read more...] about The Chief’s Last Stand
The McCormacks:
Brothers United
Three Irish brothers responded to the disaster and were part of the recovery effort. Detective Sergeant Peter McCormack,33, and Captain Paul McCormack, 32, of the 41st Precinct in the South Bronx, and their brother, Brendan, 30, an ironworker, all volunteered their services in the wake of the September 11 attack.
Peter joined in the search and rescue operation until his work … [Read more...] about The McCormacks:
Brothers United