There are moments so transformational that the mere thought of them brings us right back to that same emotional spot decades later. Just the mention of September 11, 2001 takes many of us right back to that day and sends shivers up our spines. It’s been eighteen years since Islamic terrorists attacked us on our own soil. While the feelings still feel raw, there are some new stories that will warm your heart and prove that we – Americans – can triumph over tragedy.
Current FDNY Academy Class Has 13 Legacy Recruits
New York Firefighters took a direct hit that tragic day. So many brave men lost their lives rescuing others in the World Trade Center. This left many FDNY families with huge holes in their hearts. Wives were left as widows and children were left without fathers. Now, those children are adults and 13 of them have recently decided to follow their hero fathers’ footsteps by becoming firefighters themselves. These legacy recruits are in the current FDNY Academy class that graduates later this month.
This class has 13 children whose fathers were killed on September 11, 2001. Two sets of siblings are in this class. Two sons of one fallen firefighter and a son and a daughter of another hero are set to soon join the ranks of FDNY. RELATED: Meghan McCain EVISCERATES Anti-Trump Late Night Host for Defending Ilhan Omar’s 9/11 Comments
Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro, “Bravery runs in these extraordinary families who have sacrificed so much for our city. I’m proud of the commitment these probies have already demonstrated to the department and look forward to celebrating with them at their graduation.”
The 13 legacies are not able to speak with the media at this time because of departmental regulations, but family members are piping up to express their pride. RELATED: Gary Sinise Goes Out of His Way to Thank First Responders
On the eve of the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, the current FDNY Firefighter Academy class, set to graduate in two weeks, includes 12 men and one woman — whose FDNY Firefighter fathers were murdered on 9/11.https://t.co/RrUTKtXQjb
— NYC EMS Watch (@NYCEMSwatch) September 8, 2019
“When he got in, I got real emotional. It was always about joining the FDNY,” James Foti said about his brother Robert joining FDNY in the footsteps of their father, Robert Joseph Foti of Ladder Co. 7. “There are no negatives. We know the risks. We always liked helping people.”
Never Forget 9/11
Dozens of children of fallen 9/11 FDNY heroes have followed in their fathers’ footsteps. This particular Academy class, however, boasts the most legacy members. Signaling that the children who lost their dads that horrible day are now all adults.
We must never forget the sacrifices these men and their families made on that horrific day. Watch the video “Firefighters: Heroes of Ground Zero” below. Honor the heroes.