Lt Christopher Sullivan

Ladder 111

Lt Sullivan'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

Christopher and Dolores Sullivan were high school sweethearts, and he gave her a happy ending with a modern twist. She got a prince who was never too tired to play with their sons, Sean, 6, and Brian, 4 or to prepare her lunch for work. Mr. Sullivan, 39, was a firefighter at Ladder 11 and Engine 214 in Brooklyn.

"The main thing about him was that he was an excellent father," Mrs. Sullivan said. "He'd come home after working 24 hours and they would want to play and he played. He took them hiking and camping. He also did everything at home, from cooking to cleaning. We were a real team."

"The kids didn't have their Dad long, but they got a lot from him," Mrs. Sullivan said.

Jim Sullivan, Christopher's father, said his son "had a heart of gold but no one pushed him around," which made him perfect for firefighting. "Chris loved his job so much. We really respected the men he worked with."

Firefighter Sullivan also loved nature. He planted a pumpkin for the first time this year, and it grew. The family used it to make pumpkin bread at Thanksgiving.

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 23, 2001.