It’s not often we do this kind of thing. But considering the horror of that infamous day when Islam attacked America, I wanted to post this USA Today video remembering a New York City ferry captain, Thomas Phelan, who just passed away from cancer, at age 45.
Here’s more on this incredible hero:
USA TODAY – A New York City ferry captain who evacuated hundreds from Lower Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attack has died at 45.
Thomas Phelan, who later became an New York City firefighter, succumbed on Sunday to cancer linked to the toxic dust and smoke that billowed around the site of the attack at the World Trade Center, his family told local media. The Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York says more than 170 firefighters have died as the result of illnesses related to the attacks.
Phelan was captaining a Statue of Liberty ferry when the attack occurred. He helped in the evacuation of Lower Manhattan as well aiding the fire department in their rescue efforts, FDNY spokesman Jim Long told local TV station WABC.
“He brought supplies, rescue workers & was a huge part of the operation,” said a post on the NYC Fire Wire Facebook page.
It is with Regret we announce the WTC related death of Marine Pilot Thomas P. Phelan of Marine Co 9, Arrangements are listed below. pic.twitter.com/Tm7jD8HfRm
— UFA (@UFANYC) March 17, 2018
After joining the FDNY in 2003, the New York Daily News reported, Phelan was assigned to a firehouse in Manhattan’s Little Italy before being promoted to a marine patrol based on Staten Island.
“I’m so sad! A true hero and gentleman,” Maura Buckley wrote on the NYC Fire Wire Facebook page.
“He would help anyone and everyone any chance he could. I just can’t believe this and honestly don’t understand why it’s always the good ones we lose way to early.”
Paul Iannizzotto, who said he worked at the same firehouse in Little Italy, posted on Facebook that Phelan was “Always a stand-up guy, always doing the right thing, and will be sorely missed. Rest easy brother.”
This rends my heart quite a bit. Almost 20 years ago this young man put his life on the line to bring aid and rescue to so many in New York on 9/11. And now at age 45, he dies from the cancer that was wrought him because of his heroism.
While Phelan is absolutely a hero, in some ways he’s also now a victim of that horrible terrorist attack that killed so many. And it grieves my heart.
RIP Thomas Phelan. Hero to many, Hero to all.