Remembering first responders

There is a street in lower Manhattan next to the Hook and Ladder 8 firehouse at 14 North Moore at Varick co-named after Vincent G. Halloran--a first responder.

First responders are emergency service personnel whose job requires them being one of the first on the scene of fires, medical emergencies or large-scale disasters. They are responsible for the protection and preservation of life and property. First responders include firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians or ambulance technicians.

When thousands were fleeing from the burning twin towers of the World Trade Center, the first responders were running toward the fires to help people evacuate from the buildings and extinguish the fires.

The street named after one of 9/11's first responders honors his supreme sacrifice and that of 343 New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firemen,  23 New York City Police Department officers,  37 Port of Authority Police officers and 15 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who died on Sept. 11, 2001. In addition it honors the service of all the 9/11 first responders including about 2,000 who were injured that day.

On Sept. 5, 2001. Halloran had completed his 20th year of service with the New York City Fire Department.

A few days later on Sept. 11, 2001, Halloran led Ladder 8 into the north tower of the World Trade Center to assist with the evacuation of the building.

After the south tower collapsed, the order was given by FDNY to evacuate the north tower and the Ladder 8 firemen were ordered out.

According to an online news story by Barry Owens titled Street Naming Honors Fallen Fireman:

"When the order came for Ladder 8 to get out of the building, he was on the 30th floor," said Lt. Larry Mack. "Ladder 8 made it out, but he probably stopped to help someone."

It was a tragic "last act of compassion" for a man known around the firehouse as someone who would go the extra mile, even for a stranger, Mack said.

Halloran was 43 and the father of five boys: Jake, Connor, Aidan, Kieran and Declan.

A sixth child, Phaelan, his only daughter, was born to his wife, Marie Halloran, on what would have been the couple's 16th wedding anniversary in May 2002.

In a New York Times Dec. 29, 2001 profile of Lt. Halloran, his wife Marie reflecting on Vinny said it best, "What can I say, he just loved kids."

In a Sept. 2006 online story posted at www.LoHud.com titled "Firefighter's family learns to keep going," Marie Halloran said, "We try to dwell on what we have, not what we lost. I really do believe you have to live your life so you don't have regrets. Be kind to others, help others, give back. Be a good person. If I knew what was going to happen, I would not remake any decision."

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, we honor the memory of all the 9/11 first responders as well as those who tragically died that day.

Two years ago I learned of Halloran and his family by participating in Project 2,996 named after the estimated number of victims of the terrorist attack.

I encourage others to become involved with Project 2,996 on this, the 10-year anniversary of 9/11:

"We Remember…

On Sept. 11, 2001 almost 3,000 of the world's citizens were brutally, and publicly, murdered. We all cried, and we all swore that we'd never forget. But a few years later I realized that I knew nothing about those people who were doing nothing more than living their lives. In 2006 I asked other bloggers if they thought it would be a good idea to take the time to learn about the victims and try to keep their individual memories alive. The response I got was overwhelming. And Project 2,996 is the result. ..."                                   

-- Source: http://project2996.wordpress.com