Remembering the Fallen on September 11th

The tragedy of September 11th/Patriot Day continues to impact the United States over two decades after the fateful day. Specific names have become associated with the day and the weeks following the horrific attack. However, some names are rarely mentioned among the heroes who sacrificed their lives to save others. So, this year, let’s celebrate the lives of 12 fallen Black firefighters.

Gerard Baptiste

Baptiste lost his life at age 35 on Patriot Day. He was an animal lover and avid sportsman. Baptiste found his purpose at age 18 by enrolling in the National Guard. He eventually attended the Military Academy and became a Second Lieutenant in the Reserve of New York City’s 69th Military Infantry. After his time in the military, he became a firefighter at age 30 after graduating from the Fire Academy.

Vernon Cherry

Cherry lost his life at age 49 on September 11th (just shy of his 50th birthday and retirement). He was a 29-year veteran who dedicated his spare time to music. The father of three also spent years working as a court reporter, becoming a staple on the New York court circuit.

Tarel Coleman

Coleman lost his life at age 32 on Patriot Day. He was an avid sports fan of the New York Giants and Knicks. The father of two even participated in sports — playing FDNY football and three softball teams.

Andre Fletcher

Fletcher lost his life at age 37 on September 11th. He was an avid sportsman who played football and baseball for the FDNY. Fletcher was posthumously promoted to fire marshal after years of dedication to the FDNY. His twin brother, Zack, also worked with FDNY.

Keith Glascoe

Glascoe lost his life at age 38 on Patriot Day. Before his time with the FDNY, he had a colorful life. After being a football standout in high school, he played at Delaware State before participating in the New York Jets training camp for two years. He soon began working as an actor in numerous TV shows and movies. Marriage and fatherhood led him to become a firefighter.

Ronnie Henderson

Henderson lost his life at age 52 on September 11th. He didn’t move to New York until his teenage years, attending Alexander Hamilton High School. The firefighter eventually enrolled in John Jay Coolge before becoming a longshoreman for years. He spent the majority of his life serving in the Marines. His military service led to him joining the FDNY. Henderson left behind a wife and four children.

William Henry

Henry lost his life at age 49 on Patriot Day. He was a twenty-year veteran of the FDNY when the fateful day happened. He worked as an electrical contractor for years alongside his FDNY activities. The tradesman spent his spare time volunteering at local soup kitchens. Henry dedicated himself to other activities like traveling and playing paddle tennis.

Karl Joseph

Joseph lost his life at age 25 on September 11th. He was a rookie FDNY firefighter when the fateful day happened. The self-described bookworm lived at home with his family to help them financially. His loved ones founded the FF. Karl Henri Joseph Educational Fund in his memory to help the youth in his native Haiti. His younger brother eventually joined the FDNY.

Keithroy Maynard

Maynard lost his life at age 30 on Patriot Day. He was an identical twin with brother Kevin, who did everything together. They went to the same junior high and high school before working together at Continental Airlines, where Keithroy became a union leader. Eventually, the born leader joined the FDNY, where he joined the Vulcan Society Club. His twin eventually joined the fire department in Houston in the late firefighter’s memory.

Vernon Richard

Maynard lost his life at age 53 on September 11th. He was one of the few Black captains within FDNY. He was raised in Brooklyn, where he excelled in school. He attended Kingsboro Community College and Bronx Community College before serving in the US Army during the Korean War. After years in the military, the former military man worked at Con Edison before joining the FDNY. His dedication paid off as he rose to become a lieutenant within 15 years, becoming the first Black man to do so. Maynard dedicated himself to his family, church, community, and health. He was a member of numerous organizations, including The Vulcan Society‚ the Honor Emergency Fund, and the Teamsters National Black Caucus.

Shawn Powell

Powell lost his life at age 32 on Patriot Day. He spent years working for the FDNY. At the same time, the firefighter was a United States Army Reservist. He grew up as a craftsman and creative, including recreating Mission Impossible gadgets and keys. His memory was immortalized with a Bed-Stuy street name.

Leon Smith Jr.

Smith lost his life at age 48 on September 11th. He was one of the few Black captains within FDNY. He was raised in Brooklyn, where he excelled in school and excelled. He attended Gannon College and Medgar Evers College. Before joining FDNY, he worked with the NYCDOT and the NYC Department of Sanitation. He even spent time as a mental health therapist. His time with FDNY received extensive media coverage as a charitable volunteer and dedicated family man. He had a love for basketball, music, and mechanical projects.

Originally published at http://adreonpatterson.net on September 12, 2024.