In Honor of Capt. Louis Joseph Modafferi

(This post will remain at the top of this blog until midnight September 11.)

CAPT. LOUIS MODAFFERI, 45, of New York, a firefighter, wasn't scheduled to work Sept. 11 but joined his squad when he heard the World Trade Center had been attacked.

AS I searched through Google I found this statement to be the very essence of this fallen hero.

A father of three he rarely spoke of his accomplishments but praised his children to anyone who would listen. The Captain of Staten Island's Rescue 5, Capt. Modafferi also worked on a federal rescue team aiding victims of plane crashes and hurricanes. He was a modest man who relieved stress by vacuuming.

Before he bacame a firefighter Louis worked as a waiter, a chimney sweep and a mechanic. A man with a love of Trans-Ams he sold his prized car to buy an engagement ring for his wife. When she opened the ring box it was empty except for a tiny Trans-Am. Louis and Joanne were married for 20 years.

So many words were used in the tributes I read to this hero: husband, father, best friend, loving son, modest, selfless, giving, dependable, respectful. This is a man who is much loved and missed by all who knew him.

Thank you, Louis, for being who you were. Your bravery will be remembered always. We will never forget.