9/11

On September 11, 2001, 71 law enforcement officers, 343 members of the NYC Fire Department and over 2,800 civilians died at the World Trade Center. Due to the quick actions of law enforcement officers, fire and EMS personnel, it is estimated over 25,000 people were saved.

A Tribute to Officer Thomas Michael Langone

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends...John 15:13 KJV

This is my tribute to a true American hero. A man who was devoted to his family, his community, helping others, saving lives. A man who placed the welfare of others before his own. This was a man, as many noted, who never waited to be asked to do anything. If there was a need, he was there.

So it was on 9/11 when he received the call about the World Trade Center. He headed to the scene, suited up and went in to rescue survivors. He was last seen in a stairwell in the South Tower on the 20th floor, leading people out of the tangle of smoke and destruction.

Police Officer Thomas Michael Langone
Shield Number: 14356

End of Watch: 09-11-2001

Cause of Death: World Trade Center Attack

Thomas Langone came from a family and tradition of heroes. His father, Paul, who died in 1985, had been a volunteer firefighter with Roslyn Rescue for 33 years. Paul's uncle had been a volunteer firefighter for many years before him. From as early as they could remember, both Thomas and his brother Peter had wanted to follow in their footsteps. They dreamed of saving lives and serving others.

Their dreams became a reality. At first, Peter became a police officer and Thomas a firefighter. Through the years, they switched. Both were highly skilled rescue specialists. The two brothers often worked together. They were at the 1990 crash of Avianca Flight 52 in Cove Neck. They were at the World Trade Center bombing in 1993. And they worked together on their last call on 9/11/2001 at the World Trade Center, arriving separately not long before the collapse of the towers.

Thomas Michael Langone is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughter Caitlin; son Brian; mother Sheila; sisters Joann and Rosemarie.

And He will raise you up on eagles wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand
.....from "On Eagles Wings" by Michael Joncas

Click on the links below for information on the life of this remarkable man:

Fallen Brothers Foundation
Firehouse.Com News - Tragic Family Affair
On the Job Together - Legacy.com Tribute
NYPD Angels

New York Times - On the Job, Together - Portraits of Grief

Officer Down Memorial Page
Officer of the Year Award 2002
Best of Queens - Heroes 2002
2002 Sloane Public Service Awards

FDNY - Street Renaming Ceremonies - Langone Brothers