Welcome Message
From the President, Family Fire Company Foundation
Dear Friends of Family Fire Company Foundation,
FDNY Engine 33 and Tower Ladder 9 served the people of New York City with distinction, and on September 11, 2001, they stood at the front lines while their firefighters risked and gave their lives in service to others.
Now retired, Engine 33 and Ladder 9 are not just metal and machinery to be fed to a scrapyard, they are and hold memories, stories, and a profound legacy that deserves to be preserved, honored and shared.
There is quite a bit to do and we cannot do this alone.
Your generous support will directly fund restoration, transportation, educational materials, and outreach efforts to ensure that Engine 33 and Tower Ladder 9 continue to tell the story of American heroism, unity, and resilience—not just to those who remember 9/11, but to those too young to have witnessed it.
Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity to be part of our solemn oath that our losses on 9/11 are “Never Forgotten.”
Yours in Service,
Michael McGee, Jr.
Remembering September 11, 2001.
On the morning of September 11th, 2001, the United States experienced the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. Nineteen terrorists associated with the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes. Their plan was to use the aircraft as weapons to strike significant American landmarks.
At 8:46 a.m. Eastern Time, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Just 17 minutes later, at 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower. The collisions caused massive fires and ultimately led to the complete collapse of both towers within hours, killing thousands and devastating lower Manhattan.
A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon—the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense—at 9:37 a.m., causing significant damage and loss of life.
The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was also headed for a major target in Washington, D.C., likely the U.S. Capitol or the White House. However, passengers onboard, having learned about the earlier attacks, fought back against the hijackers. The plane ultimately crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10:03 a.m., preventing further destruction but killing all aboard.
In total, nearly 3,000 people were killed, and thousands more were injured. The attacks shocked the world and led to a profound transformation in global security policies. In response, the United States launched the War on Terror, leading to military action in Afghanistan and the eventual killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in 2011.
The events of 9/11 left a lasting impact on the United States and the world, reshaping national security, international relations, and the collective memory of a generation.
Honoring Courage, Service, and Sacrifice
FDNY on 9/11
On the morning of September 11th, 2001, the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) faced the gravest emergency in its history. At 8:46 a.m., when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center, FDNY units were immediately dispatched. As firefighters raced toward lower Manhattan, they had little idea of the scale of the unfolding disaster.
When United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower at 9:03 a.m., it became clear this was a coordinated terrorist attack. Thousands of civilians were trapped in the towers, some above the impact zones where stairwells and elevators had been destroyed. FDNY command established incident posts and began deploying hundreds of firefighters into both towers for rescue and evacuation efforts.
Despite the chaos, the firefighters showed extraordinary courage. They climbed the smoke-filled stairwells, many carrying up to 60 pounds of gear, helping office workers evacuate while trying to reach the upper floors where people were stranded. Command posts were set up in the lobbies, and communication was constant, though hampered by faulty radio systems and the overwhelming scale of the incident.
At 9:59 a.m., the South Tower collapsed with almost no warning. Many firefighters inside and nearby were killed instantly. Despite the unimaginable loss, FDNY personnel in the area continued rescue operations. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower also fell, burying hundreds more under a mountain of rubble.
In total, 343 FDNY members died that day, including the Chief of Department, senior officers, and entire engine and ladder companies. It was the single largest loss of life in FDNY history and one of the most devastating days for any emergency service in the world.
In the days and weeks that followed, the FDNY led search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, working tirelessly in dangerous conditions. Their bravery and sacrifice became a symbol of resilience and heroism in the face of unprecedented tragedy.
The response of the FDNY on 9/11 remains a defining chapter in the department’s legacy—a testament to duty, courage, and selfless service under unimaginable circumstances.
Help Preserve their Legacy
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Family Fire Company Foundation needs your help to continue our mission of preserving the legacy of FDNY that was forged through supreme sacrifice during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and through rescue and recovery at "Ground Zero" over the days, weeks, and months afterwards.
Our Preservation Projects
Retired FDNY Engine 33
Retired Blue Point (NY) Engine 5
Retired FDNY Tower Ladder 9
1998 Seagrave Pumper
Responded to WTC on 09/11/01.
Crew (*Perished on 9/11)
- Kevin Pfeifer, Lieutenant*
- David Arce, Firefighter*
-Brian Bilcher, Firefighter*
- Michael Boyle, Firefighter*
- Robert Evans, Firefighter*
- Robert King, Jr., Firefighter*
- Keithroy Maynard, Firefighter*
Retired FDNY Tower Ladder 9
Retired Blue Point (NY) Engine 5
Retired FDNY Tower Ladder 9
1999 Seagrave 95' Aerialscope
Responded to WTC on 09/11/01.
Crew (*Perished on 9/11)
- Warren Smith, Lieutenant
- Bertram Springstead, Firefighter
- Gerard Baptiste, Firefighter*
- John Tierney, Firefighter*
- Jeffrey Walz, Firefighter*
Retired Blue Point (NY) Engine 5
Retired Blue Point (NY) Engine 5
Retired Blue Point (NY) Engine 5
More details coming soon.
Volunteer With Family Fire Co.
Retired Blue Point (NY) Engine 5
Volunteer with the Family Fire Company Foundation!
Help preserve firefighting history! We're seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with the care and maintenance of our historic fire trucks, support truck and booth displays at community events, and help keep patrons safe and engaged around our exhibits.
Whether you’re passionate about fire service history, enjoy hands-on work, or love connecting with the public, your time and energy will make a lasting impact.
Join us and be part of preserving the legacy of the fire service—one truck, one story, one event at a time.
Career and Volunteer Departments
Partner with the Family Fire Company Foundation – Become a Member Station!
Family Fire Company Foundation is inviting career and volunteer fire departments to join us as Member Stations—partners in preserving and showcasing the legacy of the fire service.
As a Member Station, your department can support our mission by offering safe haven parking and light logistical assistance for our antique and operational fire trucks as they travel to community and special events.
Your involvement helps us:
🚒 Share fire service history with the public
👨🚒 Inspire future generations of firefighters
🏙 Strengthen community ties and public safety education
In return, we proudly recognize our Member Stations as key partners in honoring the traditions and values of the fire service.
Preserve the past. Inspire the future.
Become a Member Station today!
Have a Truck with a Story?
Own a Piece of Firefighting History? Let’s Share It Together.
Family Fire Company Foundation invites private owners of historic fire trucks to join our mission of preserving and sharing the powerful stories behind these incredible machines.
If your truck has a compelling past—whether it served in a notable fire, protected a beloved town, or represents a unique era in firefighting—we’d love to help bring its story to the public.
By partnering with us, you’ll:
🚒 Showcase your truck at community and special events
📖 Help educate and inspire the next generation
🤝 Join a growing network of passionate stewards of fire service history
Let’s honor the legacy of your rig—together. Reach out and let's talk about how we can help.
We're Looking for Member Stations
Become a Family Fire Co Member Station
Family Fire Co Foundation Member Stations serve as the logistical backbone for our ability to move Tower Ladder 9 and Engine 33 around and through various regions of the United States. The purpose of a member station is to establish relationships with career and volunteer fire departments willing to provide safe haven parking and minor logistical support for Tower Ladder 9 and Engine 33 when requested and able. There is no cost to the member station to volunteer and that station will be recognized in the Foundations annual report provided to the Board of Directors, volunteers, and stakeholders.
For more information, please contact Mike McGee at mmcgee@familyfireco.org.
Family Fire Company Partners
10-8 Emergency Vehicle Services LLC
10-8 Emergency Vehicle Services LLC
10-8 Emergency Vehicle Services LLC
Located in New Holland, PA
During our recent maintenance trip up to Ladder 9 in PA, we had to make a cold call into 10-8 Emergency Vehicle Services, an authorized Seagrave service center, in Hew Holland seeking help with Ladder 9's Aerialscope ladder that was thought to be stuck at 20 degrees out of cradle. Randy, Jon, and everyone at 10-8 were exceptionally helpful and professional, and they took the time to help diagnose, troubleshoot, and even made a site visit to see the truck firsthand. 10-8 is our partner of choice in our mission to fully restore and preserve Tower Ladder 9.
Fired Up Leather Works
10-8 Emergency Vehicle Services LLC
10-8 Emergency Vehicle Services LLC
Located in Lexington County, SC
Tony Jumpp is a career firefighter and great friend of Family Fire Company and our mission. Tony will be helping Family Fire Co Foundation with some unique projects in the future. He has a fantastic line of hand-tooled, hand-stained and painted holsters, wallets, and jewelry and is always open for new unique challenges and one-of-kind projects. All of his work are originals created from cured/tanned sides.
Follow Tony on Facebook.
Red 7 Tees
10-8 Emergency Vehicle Services LLC
Red 7 Tees
Located in Crestview, FL
Red 7 Tees, and veteran owned and operated company, produces Family Fire Company Foundation merchandise and memorabilia supporting our mission. With their easy-to-use website, friendly service, and competitive pricing, they are our vendor of choice.
Check out Red 7 Tees website and follow them on social media.