Firefighter Richard Bruce Van Hine

Squad 41, FDNY

Firefighter Van Hine'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

R ichard Bruce Van Hine, known to all as Bruce, had been a firefighter for 12 years, most recently with Squad 41 in the South Bronx. The father of Meghan, 14, and Emily, 17, he was one of six men lost from the squad on Sept. 11.

Firefighter Van Hine, 48, had always wanted to be a firefighter, said Ann, his wife of 21 years.

"He was on the list to be a firefighter for seven years," she said. "I am a firm believer in following your dreams, so I encouraged him." But Firefighter Van Hine also loved the outdoors. Even though he took only day hikes, he had completed the New Jersey, New York and Connecticut legs of the Appalachian Trail.

A prized memory, Mrs. Van Hine said, was of a five-week camping trip the family took four years ago that included the Badlands of South Dakota, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park and the Rocky Mountains.

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 31, 2001.
Information courtesy of the Remember 9/11/2001 memorial site on legacy.com