Officer David P. Lemagne

PAPD, NYPD

Officer Lemagne's Act of Heroism

Over 400 first responders lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Heroically performing their sworn duty, these firefighters, members of the NYPD and PAPD, and numerous other rescue workers will forever be remembered for their sacrifice.

My Hero

He died while responding to the terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center.

Letters

He pushed. Whatever you thought you were capable of, he thought higher. David Lemagne loved to help people, and especially to push them to become all that they could. "He pushed people to get the grades, to get moving, to get motivated," said his sister, Magaly Lemagne Alfano. "He pushed a lot of friends, and they went further in life because of him."

Officer Lemagne, 27, lived in North Bergen, N.J., and was a police officer for the Port Authority, as well as a part-time paramedic in New Jersey. He had begun riding around in ambulances when he was only 11, learning to care for others. He was assigned to PATH in Jersey City, and when the attack occurred he was told to stay put. But he asked to be sent to the trade center, because of his training as a paramedic.

Officer Lemagne was a notorious prankster, and loved to kid around. "He would tell my husband, in front of me, 'If you ever have a problem with her, I'll help you get rid of her,' " Mrs. Alfano said. "He would say, 'Don't worry, no one will ever have to know.' "

For all his paramedic training, he was not always entirely comfortable with blood. When he was young, he and his close friend decided they would become blood brothers. Fine. Officer Lemagne was handed a knife. "I'm not cutting myself," he exclaimed in horror. They became spit brothers.

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 30, 2001.
Information courtesy of the Remember 9/11/2001 memorial site on legacy.com