The Yorkville 9 | Their Lives

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Captain Walter G. Hynes

Ladder Company 13 · Age 46

Walter G. Hynes had devoted twenty-three years of his life to the New York City Fire Department by September 2001. As Captain of Ladder Company 13, he carried the responsibility not only of leading firefighters, but of looking after the people who served beside him.

Away from the firehouse, Walter was a husband and father. He was a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and St. John’s University School of Law. Those who remembered him spoke of his generosity, the time he gave, and the way he was willing to be there for others.

On September 11, Captain Hynes led Ladder 13 into the North Tower for search and evacuation. He did not return home.

Read Walter’s full memorial →

Firefighter Thomas A. Casoria

Engine Company 22 · Age 29

Thomas “Tommy” Casoria had wanted to become a firefighter for years. Growing up in Whitestone, Queens, he was an exceptional athlete and later played second base for the FDNY softball team.

Firefighting was also a family bond: his brother Carlo became an FDNY firefighter, and the brothers went through the Fire Academy together. Tommy was engaged and preparing to be married on October 13, 2001.

On September 11, he responded with Engine 22 to the North Tower. He was 29 years old.

Firefighter Michael J. Elferis

Engine Company 22 · Age 27

Michael J. Elferis spent his young adult life in public service. Before joining the FDNY, he served as a New York City police officer. Firefighting had fascinated him since childhood, and eventually that dream became his profession.

He grew up in College Point, Queens, attended John Jay College and loved sports, particularly the New York Yankees.

On September 11, Michael entered the North Tower with Engine 22. He was only 27.

Thomas J. HetzelTemporary portrait locatedView VOICES Center for ResilienceReady to swap to the family-approved file.

Firefighter Thomas J. Hetzel

Ladder Company 13 · Age 33

For Thomas Hetzel, becoming a firefighter was a childhood dream that never went away. At eighteen, he joined his local volunteer fire department; in 1995 he entered the New York City Fire Service Academy.

Tom loved golf, softball and skiing and was deeply proud of his German heritage. His family was at the center of his life.

On September 11, he responded with Ladder 13 and entered the North Tower. He was 33.

Firefighter Vincent D. Kane

Engine Company 22 · Age 37

Vincent “Vinnie” Kane’s commitment to helping others began long before he joined the FDNY. He became a volunteer firefighter at seventeen, later volunteered with Red Cross disaster relief, and served as a New York City police officer before becoming an FDNY firefighter.

He loved music, played guitar, ran, rollerbladed and enjoyed the culture and energy of New York City.

On September 11, Vinnie entered the North Tower with Engine 22. He was 37.

Dennis P. McHughTemporary portrait locatedView Memorial portrait sourceReady to swap to the family-approved file.

Firefighter Dennis P. McHugh

Ladder Company 13 · Age 34

Dennis McHugh approached life with energy. Before joining the FDNY, he worked in finance. He ran the New York City Marathon, played Gaelic football, and was a devoted husband and father.

His legacy continues through the Dennis P. McHugh Foundation and the Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library, created as a living memorial centered on education and community.

On September 11, Dennis entered the North Tower with Ladder 13. He was 34.

Firefighter Martin E. McWilliams

Engine Company 22 · Age 35

Martin McWilliams seemed able to build or fix almost anything. He loved working with his hands, cooking, skiing and cars. Shortly before September 11, he became a father.

His daughter Sara was only months old. Family remembrances describe how completely he had fallen in love with being her father.

On September 11, Martin entered the North Tower with Engine 22. He was 35.

Thomas E. SabellaTemporary portrait locatedView Official FDNY photographReady to swap to the family-approved file.

Firefighter Thomas E. Sabella

Ladder Company 13 · Age 44

Heroism was not new to Thomas Sabella on September 11. Years earlier, during a fire in an Upper East Side tenement, he raced upward and rescued a man trapped at a fifth-floor window. New York City later honored him for his bravery.

Thomas was also a husband and father, skier, snowboarder, gardener, builder and winemaker.

On September 11, he entered the North Tower with Ladder 13. He was 44.

Gregory M. StajkTemporary portrait locatedView National Fallen Firefighters FoundationReady to swap to the family-approved file.

Firefighter Gregory M. Stajk