In Memoriam: Thomas Foley and Danny Foley Rescue 3 FDNY

In Memoriam: Tommy Foley and Danny Foley
On September 11, 2001, Rescue Company 3 of the FDNY faced unimaginable tragedy and heroism. Among the brave men who answered the call were Tommy Foley and his brother, Danny Foley. Their story is one of extraordinary courage, dedication, and enduring sacrifice.
Tommy Foley, a committed firefighter with Rescue Company 3, was tragically killed on that fateful day while responding to the catastrophic events at the World Trade Center. Alongside him, his brother Danny, also a member of Rescue Company 3, worked tirelessly amidst the chaos and devastation. Their bond, both as brothers and as firefighters, epitomized the spirit of unwavering commitment to duty and each other.
In the days that followed the attacks, Danny Foley’s resolve never wavered. He spent countless hours sifting through the rubble, enduring toxic fumes and hazardous conditions, in a relentless search for his brother. On the eleventh day, Danny finally found Tommy. Yet, even after this heart-wrenching discovery, he chose to continue his efforts. Danny remained on-site, working alongside his comrades to locate and rescue other victims until the very end of May 2002.
Rescue Company 3 Lieutenant Michael Conboy praised Danny’s selflessness, noting that he could have ceased his efforts after finding Tommy but chose to honor his commitment by aiding in the search for others. Danny’s bravery and perseverance reflect the deepest values of his profession.
Tragically, the toll of that day extended beyond Tommy Foley. Rescue Company 3 lost other elite members, including Chris Blackwell, Ray  Meisenheimer, Don Regan, Jerry Schrang, Tom Gambino, and Brian Hickey. In total, 343 FDNY firefighters lost their lives that day. The sacrifice of these brave souls, along with over 350 FDNY members who have succumbed to illnesses related to their post-9/11 work, underscores the profound impact of their heroism. Sadly, the cause of death for Danny Foley was pancreatic cancer, a consequence of his exposure to the toxins at Ground Zero.
As a brother firefighter and friend, I am proud to have known and served alongside Tommy and Danny Foley. Their legacy endures as a testament to the courage and dedication that defined their lives. Their sacrifice remains an inspiration and a solemn reminder of the extraordinary bravery exhibited in the face of unparalleled adversity.