Nov 24, 2008 6:49 pm US/Eastern
Fallen NYC Firefighter Remembered By Colleagues
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
-
-
FDNY Lt. Robert Ryan was killed in the line of duty while battling a blaze in the addict of a burning home on November 23, 2008.
CBS
He was known as a fireman's fireman. Lt. Robert Ryan is being remembered by the Fire Department of New York after dying in the line of duty on Sunday when he led his squad inside a burning home.
Across the street from a fire truck named in honor of Lt. Ryan was a full formation at the funeral home for the fallen firefighter's family. First came his first wife and daughter, followed by his current wife, both coming to say goodbye to a man who died doing what he loved.
Firefighter Kevin Connolly was with Ryan in the attic of the burning home they were responding to when the 17-year veteran from Staten Island was knocked unconscious by a falling piece of ceiling.
"It definitely started out as a routine fire," said Connolly. "That night I'll never forget."
At Ryan's ladder company, pictures and a guestbook mark the spot where he made his mark as a perfectionist.
"What set Bobby apart was he almost had like an OCD where he did everything perfect. The office, his training, everything and anything was over the top," said Capt. Brian Gorman.
And Ryan's high expectations of himself extended to others.
"A lot of guys will come into the firehouse almost like, 'Dad is home you better have you act together,'" firefighter Vin Yorks said of Ryan.
The fact that Ryan cared so much and was so dedicated was no act all. It was who he was.
"Everything he did, whether it was things with his family, his house, or training the young guys, he did everything with his heart and soul into it," said Lt. Joe Morrow.
At City Hall, flags were at half-staff in honor of the man who gave his life in the line of duty.
Ryan also had a soft side that will always be remembered and appreciated. He volunteered and in fact was in charge of the fire department's Toys For Tots program.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths, July-Dec.
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments