Firefighter Michael C. Fiore

Rescue 5

Firefighter Fiore'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 on September 11, 2001 while responding to the terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center.

Letters

There was no getting around the basketball. That was a given, right from the start.

When Charlene Kirk met her husband-to-be, Michael C. Fiore, in 1976, he was playing in a half-dozen leagues. He had games six or seven days a week, putting points on the board. About the only way to see a lot of him, she recognized, was to watch him shoot and pull down rebounds. Figuring she was at the games anyway, she became the scorekeeper.

They married and he became a firefighter, eventually joining Rescue Company 5 in Staten Island. They had three children and settled into a home there.

But there was always the basketball. Firefighter Fiore continued to play on multiple teams, including the Fire Department's esteemed All-Star Team, which traveled to other states and countries.

Known as reserved and compassionate, a good listener and a good friend, Firefighter Fiore, 46, became something else on the court. "He was a very quiet guy, but not when he played basketball," Mrs. Fiore said. "The guys said you didn't want to meet up with him under the boards."

He always carved out time for his children. It didn't hurt that he was able to coach their basketball teams.

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on April 14, 2002.
Information courtesy of the Remember 9/11/2001 memorial site on legacy.com