Danny Foley was buried last week.
That’s not a sentence I thought I would ever write, in my lifetime. When I met Danny, pretty immediately after 9/11, he stepped in front of the camera as a larger-than-life firefighter. Physically imposing, highly skilled, capable, strong, and dedicated to helping others. And, twenty years my junior. The fact that he is gone, at the age of 46, is profoundly wrenching and unfair.
The Foley family is a firefighting family. Dedicated and selfless, they lost Tommy on 9/11 day, when he and seven of his brothers with Rescue 3 in the Bronx responded to the call to go to the burning towers. None survived.
Danny responded as well, promising his family he would find Tommy’s body, which he and other firefighters did. He came in and posed for the picture above just a couple days after discovering his brother in the rubble.
Joanne, their sister, also came in, holding Tommy’s ceremonial helmet and his cowboy hat.
And after 9/11, Danny stepped up and joined Rescue 3, one of five specialized rescue companies in the city.
I write this in sadness, and profound respect for the Foley family. Their lives intersected with that fateful day, and they selflessly, unflinchingly went to bat for New York City, for their fellow citizens, indeed, for all of us.
Now Danny, who after 9/11 always had Tommy’s mass card in the band of his helmet whenever he went on a call, is with his brother. He died of 9/11 related cancer, so young, leaving his wife, Carrie, and five children. Danny and Tommy’s loving sister, Joanne, possessed of astonishing strength and determination, carries on. She co-directed a 2010 documentary about her brother, “Tommy Foley: Legacy of a Young Hero.”
For these families, 9/11 is not over. It never will be.
Godspeed, Danny.
Great! The last picture is awesome. Thanks.
Joe,
So sad to hear and for your loss. One of my best friends was a NYFD Lt. who was there the days after the towers fell. He has had cancer of the esophagus and almost lost his voice box. He is in recovery, but it has been so pervasive. As he has said, he cannot go to more funerals. We have to take better care of the ones who don’t think twice about risking their lives going into danger rather than away from danger.
Joe, I thank you for reminding us of what true heroes look like. My wife became a volunteer EMS here in Hastings several years ago and I have gotten to know many of her brother and sister firefighters. When the call comes in they jump into their superhero suits that look an awful lot like bunker gear and fearlessly tread where others flee. I am honored to be their photographer and you should know that your work inspires me.
This is so sad, I share your grief and the grief of the Foley family and fire fighting heroes everywhere. The sacrifice and dedication of individuals for their fellow men/women is both heart-inspiring and heart-wrenching. I know the bond you have for Danny and all the other 9/11 heroes. Your photo tribute to many of the survivors/heroes of that terrible day will live forever and for that you can be justly proud. I love you for your sensitivity, compassion and dedication you have for all. Bless you my friend. Ken
So sad that 9/11 continues to hurt families all these later. Such poignant words and wonderful photos Joe.
God bless you Danny.
Please let us know if there’s a fundraiser for his children’s college fund..
Will do….if you hit the link in the blog it will take you to the page for the film and I think there is a mechanism there for donations….all best
Bless you back, Ken. You set the example for so many of us, coming up with a camera in hand, wondering what to do and where to turn. You showed so many shooters the way. And you always shot from the heart. Many thanks for your kind words….Joe
Many thanks, Jim…keep on, as they say. These folks are worthy subjects who don’t ever get the credit they routinely deserve.
Agreed, Bill. Too many of these first responders have suffered in the aftermath without really getting the care and attention they need. Danny should still be amongst us. We are all the poorer for his passing. Best, Joe
God Bless and God Speed. A true Hero.
Thank You Joe
As a fan of yours, I have most of the books you’ve written, Joe. I bought the “Faces of Ground Zero” a few years ago. I’ve never had a book move me so much. Your portraits of the heroes of September 11, 2001, are some of the most compelling I’ve ever seen. You showed ordinary people going about their jobs and in the midst of the horror all around them, going above and beyond to save their fellow man. As soon as I read this post, I immediately got out my book to find your portrait of Danny Foley. I didn’t realize that his sister’s portrait was on the opposite page. You captured so honestly her look of total devastation at losing her brother. Thank you for capturing through your photos, the look of real heroes. My heart goes out to Danny’s family. Another one lost too soon.
Joe: Your sensitive portraits help to keep fresh the memory of the contributions and courage of the Foley family and their brothers and sisters in uniform. Your 9/11 project is also a reminder of how powerful photography can be when practiced by skilled photographers, .
Too many of the likes of these brave individual who give everything and really not ask anything in return, and yet there are many out there that owe their lives to these men like Danny and the world owe a lot to them God Bless all of them and Danny and thank you for your service and your sacrifice
No words.
So sad for your loss. Bless you.
It is always sad to see a hero pass away saving other people. They deserve to be recognized.
Thanks for mentioning our firefighters to honor and salute them.