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Fallen 9/11 Firefighter Brothers Honored in St. Patrick’s Day Parade Tradition
These traditions remind us the risk first responders face daily.
A dozen relatives, including surviving brother Ken Haskell, have gathered from various parts of the country to pay tribute to Tom and Tim Haskell, two brothers and members of the FDNY who tragically perished on September 11, 2001, while bravely rescuing others from the Twin Towers.
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Ken Haskell, 54, recounted how the St. Patrick’s Day Parade held a special significance for his family, particularly for his brothers Tommy and Timmy, who cherished celebrating their Irish heritage by participating in the annual tradition regardless of their work locations.
Despite serving in different boroughs, the Haskell brothers always made it a point to march together in the parade each year, defying the typical practice of FDNY members marching with their respective firehouses or battalions.
This year, a diverse group of patriots from across the nation, representing branches of the military, police departments, and firefighting units, gathered to honor the fallen duo, highlighting the deep impact of their sacrifice.
Tim Haskell, who worked in Lower Manhattan on 9/11, rushed to the scene despite being off duty when the attacks occurred. Ascending to the 30th floor of the North Tower, he displayed exceptional courage by aiding an injured man amid the chaos before ultimately succumbing to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Tom Haskell, a captain with Ladder 132 in Brooklyn, was assisting in the evacuation of the South Tower when it tragically collapsed, claiming his life along with those of his fellow responders.
Ken Haskell, also off duty at the time, joined his firehouse’s efforts to respond to the unfolding crisis, unaware of his brothers’ fate until the early hours of the following morning. Over time, he pieced together their acts of heroism, which epitomized the selfless dedication to service ingrained in their family’s legacy.
From their grandfather’s service in the U.S. Navy to their father’s tenure as a Marine and later as an FDNY member, the Haskell family has a long-standing tradition of serving their country and community.
Now, the next generation has followed suit, with family members joining various branches of the military, law enforcement, and firefighting. Despite residing in different states, they converged in New York City to march alongside the NYPD’s Holy Name Society in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, honoring the memory and legacy of their fallen loved ones.
