2,996 - A Tribute to Patrick Byrne

September 10th, 2006

When researching 9/11 casualties, you will find many lists. Some of these lists contain every name. Many are partial lists, highlighting and categorizing names into related groups such as WTC, NYFD, NYPD, Cantor Fitzgerald Employees, etc. Its mind numbing and unless we are looking for a specific name, we don’t read the whole list. The 2,996 Project has taken a list, and made it possible for us to remember each name, searing their life story and those left behind into our hearts and memories forever.

Patrick Byrne is a common name. So common that many of the memorial site comments are from Patrick Byrne or from some who mistook the September 11, 2001 hero as one of their personal friends, relieved that it was not their loved one, but overcome with sorrow for this brave man’s family and friends.

Patrick Byrne, a NYFD Ladder 101 hero, was a playful man and a great athlete. His fellow fire fighters considered him to be the best “bucketeer” ever:

…soaking the newest firefighter in the house with a bucket of water poured down from the roof. “He was ‘king of the bucketeers’,” said Capt. Giordano. “He was excellent at it. He was the best at it. He wouldn’t miss his target.” ~ FallenBrothers.com

NYFD Ladder 101 lost 7 fire fighters when the buildings collapsed:

During high-rise blazes, Station 101 specialized in evacuation. As the crew strapped on their 120 pound packs, with an extra oxygen cylinder, the upper floors of the World Trade towers were ablaze. ~ Artie Fitzpatrick

The fire fighters of NYFD Ladder 101 are obviously very close, with nicknames for everyone:

Station 101 in Brooklyn is just a half-mile from what’s left of the World Trade Center, a quick run through the Brooklyn Tunnel. Lt. Joe Gullicson was the officer in charge when the call came through on the morning of Sept. 11. On board the fire truck with Gullicson were: Sal Calabro, always eating but so hyper he never added weight; “Mr. Fixit,” Tom Kennedy; Joe Maffeo, the gadget guy; strongman Brian Cannizzaro; Patrick Byrne, just back from knee injury; and Terry McShane, a former police sergeant. All seven were lost. ~ Artie Fitzpatrick

There is nothing more that I could possibly say to capture the grief of the loss of Patrick Byrne who gave his life so that others may live.

Patrick Byrne is survived by his mother his father, five brothers, and three sisters. To those that spent time with this man, at least 2,996 weep with you today.

Note: This was a quick tribute. I will continue to add more info as I find it. I have not found any contact information for Patrick Byrne’s family or friends, but if they read this tribute and would like anything added at any time in the future I will do so at their request. Also, anyone that was at the WTC’s that day, please feel free to contact me.

Entry Filed under: September 11, 2001