Honoring 9/11: Gary Sinise’s Journey to Serve New York’s Bravest

Every year, around the anniversary of 9/11, we are reminded of the monumental loss and grief that we faced as a nation following the devastating terrorist attacks on our country. The fall of the Twin Towers, the attack on the Pentagon, and the downing of United 93. We will never forget the innocent lives lost that day.

As we mourn the fallen, we pay tribute to and honor the sacrifice and selflessness of our heroes who gave it all to help their fellow citizens and how we as a nation came together to uplift and assist all those affected.

In the heart of New York City, the memory of 9/11 resonates deeply, especially within service communities. This year, Gary Sinise, through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Serving Heroes program, traveled with his team to share meals and moments of reflection with those who sacrifice so much for the safety of others.

A Personal Connection to Ladder 132

The weekend began with a deeply personal visit to Ladder 132 Engine 280 in Brooklyn, a firehouse that forever holds a special place in Gary’s heart. The late John Viganio Sr., a dear friend of Gary’s, served with the FDNY in Brooklyn for 36 years, retiring as a Captain. One son, John Jr, also was a firefighter in Brooklyn at Ladder 132 Engine 280. The Vigiano family’s story is one of profound loss and heroism – as both John Jr. and his brother Joseph, a detective with NYPD, were killed in the 9/11 attacks: this day, the Vigiano family continues to honor their legacy by supporting first responders.

Gary first visited Ladder 132 in 2003 at the invitation of John Sr. While there, Gary shared a meal with New York’s Bravest and listened to their firsthand accounts of 9/11. It was there that Gary’s deep and lasting connection to the FDNY began and when the Gary Sinise Foundation was founded in 2011, our First Responder Outreach initiative was born.

On this visit, Gary and his team provided a meal for the firefighters at Ladder 132. John Vigiano Sr.’s wife and grandson were present, showing their support and connecting with the firehouse community that means so much to their family. Also in attendance was New York City Fire Commissioner, Robert Tucker, underscoring the importance of this event not only for Ladder 132 and Brooklyn, but for the entire FDNY community.

In addition to sharing a meal, Gary led a small, private ceremony where he presented a grant to the New York Fire Department Foundation, an organization that provides critical funding for firehouses across the city. This grant, through the Gary Sinise Foundation, ensures that the firefighters of NYC will continue to have access to essential resources, training, and support to carry out their vital work.

As Gary says, “We can never do enough for our defenders and their loved ones, but we can always do a little more.”

An Evening with Friends of Firefighters

Later that evening, Gary joined an event co-hosted by the Gary Sinise Foundation and Friends of Firefighters, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of FDNY Firefighters and their families. The intimate gathering was filled with stories, laughter, and moments of reflection on the lives lost and the resilience of those who continue to serve. The event was even catered by one of FDNY’s own, Eric Howard, a firefighter assigned to Squad 18 in Manhattan and one of the top 8 finalists in Season 7 of the popular television show, MasterChef.

The evening featured a live Q&A session moderated by Cristin Bartter, host of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast. On the panel with Gary were two of his pals, Danny Prince and Lt. Mike Hyland, both of whom have served their city with distinction and were part of the responding teams on September 11, 2001, and the days that followed. The discussion allowed for candid conversations about service, sacrifice and resilience.

The evening concluded with a surprise performance by the FDNY Pipe and Drums. In a moment of deep respect and honor, Gary stood in the center of the pipers as they played.

In the Shadow of Ground Zero: A Visit to Ladder 10

The next day began with a visit to the Americas Response Monument at ground zero. It is a beautiful tribute to those special forces soldiers who risked their lives on horseback as our nation first went into Afghanistan shortly after the 9/11 attacks. Gary and his wife Moira were honored to contribute to the creation of this amazing statue.

Gary’s final stop was a visit to Ladder 10, a firehouse located directly across from where the Twin Towers once stood. Ladder 10 was among the first to respond to the attacks on that fateful day and the losses they endured were unimaginable. At the front of Ten House stands a memorial to those lost, featuring the twisted metal remnants of what was once a fire engine.

During his visit, Gary sat down with the firefighters of Ladder 10 for a shared meal, asking questions, listening to their personal stories and learning their motivations for joining the FDNY. Many of those present were just students during 9/11, in high school or college. However, their vivid memories of that day helped to shape their futures. Today, they serve in one of the most iconic firehouses in the country, protecting the city they love, meeting with tourists, and carrying forward the legacy of those who came before them.

Gary’s visit was marked by another meeting with Fire Commissioner Tucker, who expressed his gratitude for the continued support from the Gary Sinise Foundation. Before leaving, Gary’s team was given a tour of Ladder 10, a moving reminder of the station’s place in New York City’s history.

Never Forgetting our Heroes

Through its many initiatives, the Gary Sinise Foundation continues its mission to support our nation’s heroes, ensuring that these brave men and women know that they are never forgotten.

As Gary reflected on his time with the firefighters of NYC, he shared, “We will never forget the sacrifices made by these men and women, and we will always stand by them.”

This all began all those years ago with a chance meeting between Gary and legendary FDNY fire Captain, John Vigiano on a 2003 trip to Iraq to visit our troops. And all these years later, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Gary Sinise Foundation and the amazing donors who support Gary's mission, first responders across the country receive critical support that they need to continue their life saving work. Whether it’s through meals, grants, or community events, our mission is clear: to honor and support those who defend and protect our way of life. To get involved with the Gary Sinise Foundation, or to donate today, click here.