FDNY trainee honors 9/11 heroes, remembering his father and grandfather’s legacy of bravery.

Joseph Angelini III is set to graduate from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) academy this week, with a poignant symbol marking his journey: the email welcoming him to the academy was sent at 9:11 a.m. This connection to a time deeply ingrained in his family’s history serves as a comforting sign for the 26-year-old Lindenhurst resident.

The legacy of firefighting runs deep in Angelini’s family. His father, Joseph Angelini Jr., and grandfather, Joseph Angelini Sr., both lost their lives in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked, resulting in the tragic deaths of 343 FDNY firefighters. Joseph Angelini Sr. was notably the oldest and longest-serving firefighter in the city at the time of his death, having dedicated 63 years to the FDNY.

Despite being assigned to light duty at the time, Joseph Angelini Sr. heroically rushed into the World Trade Center, responding to calls of distress from his son’s unit, Ladder Company 4. Angelini III was only a toddler when he lost both his father and grandfather on that fateful day, a tragedy that forever shaped his childhood and the community around him.

While the memories of that tragic event remain vivid, Angelini cherishes his father and grandfather’s legacy through the many cherished recollections of family gardening sessions and working on his father’s prized 1964 Corvette, which he has lovingly restored. The bonds formed with the extended FDNY family—including colleagues of his father and grandfather—provided support and encouragement throughout his formative years, helping him navigate his grief.

Angelini’s aspiration to become a firefighter was unwavering. After several years and various career explorations, including jobs in welding and real estate, he finally received his much-anticipated acceptance into the FDNY Academy. Approximately 326 probationary firefighters are set to graduate alongside him, with a notable 50% of the class comprised of individuals of diverse backgrounds, including six women.

FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker remarked on the significance of public service, emphasizing the nobility of the profession and the elite nature of the new graduates. The FDNY embodies a spirit of camaraderie and family, which resonates deeply with Angelini, who feels a sense of duty to honor his family’s legacy.

Angelini acknowledges that while his mother initially expressed concern about his career choice, her perspective has shifted as she recognizes the significance of his desire to serve. Emphasizing his eagerness for the future, he recognizes the weight his family name carries within the FDNY, with many colleagues recalling fond memories of his father and grandfather.

As he prepares for his first posting in Queens, Angelini is determined to forge his own path within the department. He expresses a desire to create his own legacy rather than simply following in his father’s footsteps, remarking that he intends to honor his family’s impact while building his own identity as a firefighter. For Joseph Angelini III, this journey represents not just a career but a tribute to those who came before him, encapsulating the resilience and courage that defines the spirit of the FDNY.