Michael J.
Elferis

Age 27 · 3 years of FDNY service

A public servant who had dreamed of becoming a firefighter since childhood and loved the firehouse enough to return even on his days off.

Engine Company 22Engine 22 · Ladder 13 · Battalion 10159 East 85th Street

A childhood dream

Michael Elferis grew up wanting to become a firefighter. Before joining the FDNY, he served as a New York City police officer and attended John Jay College.

When the opportunity finally came to join the Fire Department, it was the realization of a long-held ambition. Family recollections describe a man who loved the job so much that he would stop by the firehouse even when he was not scheduled to work.

He was also a sports fan and an especially devoted New York Yankees supporter.

From NYPD to Engine 22

Michael had served approximately three years with the FDNY and was assigned to Engine Company 22 on East 85th Street.

On September 11, he responded with Engine 22 and entered the North Tower.

The response

Engine 22’s surviving company account records firefighters operating inside the North Tower and assisting civilians during the evacuation through Stairway C.

Michael Elferis was one of four Engine 22 firefighters who did not return from the tower.

Follow the North Tower timeline

Service remembered

New York City later co-named part of 130th Street in Queens as Firefighter Michael J. Elferis Street.

Memorial events and family efforts have continued to keep his name connected to the community he came from and the profession he had wanted since childhood.

Historical record

Sources for this memorial

Personal photographs and additional family recollections can be added as family materials and permissions are received.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Michael J. Elferis — Roll of Honor biography.

Portraits of Grief and memorial accounts

Childhood firefighting dream, family recollections and personal interests.

New York City street co-naming record

Firefighter Michael J. Elferis Street, Queens.

View full source record Return to the Yorkville 9

Firefighter Michael J. Elferis

Forever part of Engine 22.
Forever part of the Yorkville 9.

September 11, 2001 — September 11, 2026