[September 25, 2024] I’m fond of writing about our heroes, and one that I’ve been planning to write about is New York City firefighter Joe Torrillo. If you’re not from the Northeast, then you may not have heard of him. But I think Joe’s firefighter journey to hero status is worth telling and we are all morally obligated to tell those stories of heroes.
This story is not new, but it bears repeating because our heroes help us see the path to being a good and purposeful person. We look up to those heroes who have earned their place in our communities by their actions and their words. This is why I’m writing about Joe Torrillo today.
Joe spent his early career with NYC Engine Company #10 across from the South Tower of the World Trade Center. On 9/11, Joe was recovering from an injury and had been assigned to the office of fire safety education as part of his recovery. In his new position, he would co-design a children’s state-of-the-art fire safety learning center, opening in October 2000.
Joe worked with Fisher-Price Toys to help design a new children’s action figure as part of their “Rescue Heroes” line.
Billy Blazes: Firefighter Rescue Heroes line
As I write this story, I have these action figures sitting on my desk, and although parts of the toy are missing, I do treasure it greatly because it reminds me of that terrible day when bravery was common and devotion to duty was the norm.
On that day, Joe was on his way to a press conference at 9 AM. When he came near the WTC, the first airliner struck the North Tower at 8:46 AM. Concerned for his firefighter buddies in Engine Co. 10, he diverted to the scene to help.
He borrowed bunker gear. The second airliner slammed into the South Tower above Joe’s head at 9:03 AM. While involved in the rescue operation, the South Tower fell at 9:59 AM, burying Joe alive with a fractured skull, broken ribs, crushed spine, and internal bleeding. He was fortunate to be found alive, and he was placed on the deck of a boat on the Hudson River to transport him to a hospital.
As emergency personnel were working on him, the North Tower fell and buried Joe alive again. About 45 minutes later, Joe was rescued again. He awoke at the Jersey City Trauma Center in New Jersey but because he had borrowed his gear with the name Thomas McNamara, Joe was misidentified by that name. He was declared missing for three days.
Sadly, the “Billy Blazes” action figure would now represent the 343 NYC firefighters who died that day, making the supreme sacrifice as they helped protect their city.
NOTE: Much of this article is taken from Joe Torrillo’s website, and I thank him for his service.
https://joetorrillo.com/about.htm
—————
Please read my books:
Sir, thank you for acknowledging our hero firefighers.
Gen. Satterfield, thank you for the wonderful article on Joe Torrillo. He is truly an American hero, not because of his injuries that day, which he surely had, but because he RAN TOWARD DANGER to be with his men and to be part of the 911 rescue. He shows the kind of bravery that we all wish we had. But to do so, it required of him superhuman strength of mind and that is what makes Joe Torrillo a real hero in my mind.
🧑🚒 A real hero, YES … 🧑🚒
Thank you, Gen. Satterfield for giving us this article today on a real hero. I like to read about these heroes and one day, I would like to meet firefighter Joe Torrillo. That would make my day.
“Poor is the nation that has no heroes, but poorer still is the nation that having heroes, fails to remember and honor them. ” — Marcus Tullius Cicero 106-43 BC
Beautiful action figure Billy Blazes. You can still find him for sale use or new (but old) on eBay and other such platforms.
Indeed, that is right and my son has one that I bought several years ago on eBay and he is really taken by it. Usually you can get one in good shape and complete for less than $15 USD.
I think that Gen. Satterfield is helping us use this toy – action figure Billy Blazes – as a symbol of our firefighter heroes and that is commendable. Heroes are people who risk everything, including their lives, for the well-being of others. From the time we first walked the Earth, stories about the hero have flourished. These stories are a part of a meta-story (repeated because it’s draws us to it) about the best human traits; courage, strength, and honor. These are ideals of human nature, and nothing can change our desire to embrace those traits. But why do we have heroes is much more. We have heroes because we ‘need’ them. Heroes reveal our missing qualities and show us the way to emancipation from the straightjacket of culture. Heroes are there to give us hope; perhaps we can be more like them when the going gets tough, and others melt away. Heroes validate our moral view of life and remind us of the fragility of life.
Great story of a real modern-day hero.
I’m with Gen. Satterfield
“Tell Stories of Heroes”
https://www.theleadermaker.com/tell-stories-of-heroes/
“Stories of heroes, like so many that rise to the top and become famous, resonate every time they are told. There is something about those heroes, something that is hard to put our finger on but draws our attention and makes us sit up and take notice. We are drawn to them because we see ourselves reflected in them. Through these stories, we understand others and ourselves better.” – Gen. Doug Satterfield
Gen. Satterfield writes often about heroes and why we love them so much. And here is another example of that for all of us to see. Joe Torrillo has a grand tale to tale and we should listen to him. Yes, he is available for speeches (which will cost but worth every penny). Learn more about him and at the same time, learn more about the bravery shown by the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. You will not be disappointed that you did. And, oh, Gen. Satterfield, thanks for the pix of Billy Blazes.
Jeff, I agree. And the fact that 911 anniversary was just past, I think most of us can relate. It is hard to believe the attacks were 23 years ago now.
Jeff and KR, yep. And all our lives changed, esp if you lived anywhere near NYC at the time.
YES YES YES … a real hero in our mist.