I am participating again on this grim anniversary in Project 2996–a memorial tribute to each of the victims of the cowardly attack on 9/11/01.
In truth, the person I was assigned to honor was not a “victim” of 9/11. Rather, he was a true hero, and lost his life in an effort to save others. You see, Jim Coyle was a firefighter. An off-duty firefighter who did not hesitate to answer the call when the World Trade Center was hit.
It is hard to imagine the kind of courage it took to enter that inferno, but whatever quality it is that makes men like Jim Coyle respond the way he did, Americans will always be grateful for his devotion to duty and for his sacrifice.
Here is the tribute published in the NY Times:
James R. Coyle wanted to be Luke Skywalker. But because of certain difficulties in pursuing that career path, he decided to do what he thought was the next best thing, which was fighting fires.
Sure, there was no flying across galaxies or rescuing princesses, but joining the New York Fire Department had its own rewards.
Both of his grandfathers were New York firefighters. Firefighter Coyle joined the department’s cadet program while studying at Brooklyn College. He was 22 when he graduated as valedictorian of that program on a wet June day about four years ago.
For the next three years, he worked as an emergency medical technician. He delivered a baby in the back of an ambulance. He ducked bullets in crime-ridden neighborhoods.
Last December, he completed training in the fire academy and joined Ladder Company 3 in the East Village. One grandfather gave the firefighter his old fire hat.
The last glimpse his mother, Regina Coyle, had of Firefighter Coyle was on her television set on Sept. 11, when a local television station was doing a morning show on cooking in the firehouse. He had just finished a night shift, she said, and he was there to eat meal before heading off to Chicago on vacation.
James was only 26 when he died that fateful day. And yet, during his short time on Earth, he touched so many lives. Please take a moment to read the comments on his legacy guestbook from friends, family and strangers. So moving.
I obviously can’t do justice to the memory of this man that he deserves. But I can say to Jim and all those who knew him: You have not been forgotten.
God bless James Raymond Coyle and God bless America.
Thank you.
I honor Christopher Paul Slattery.
I attended high school with James and have been searching for some kind of tribute to or recognition of him ever since I learned he died in the Towers. Thank you so much for doing this, and for making sure he’s not forgotten.
The Post ran a story on history lessons for children too young to remember 9/11. I’m reading this article on the train going into work. I don’t why, I don’t know what triggered it, but suddenly I was simply overwrought. My hands shook and I came very near to breaking into sobs. I am flabberghasted at my response.
Thank you for honoring this brave man.
i am a 9th grader, and our school decided to make a little memorial in making a picture for some victims. i was assigned with james raymond coyle & 6 other victims. reading this made me break down in tears. Thats right, he isnt a “victim” he is a hero.
Rest peacefully knowing that you’re never forgotten. Thank you for being our hero.
We live in Montgomery,Al. My husband is a fireman. He participated in a 911 Memorial Stairclimb downtown on 911. He wore a nametag w/ James R Coyle’s picture & name on it. He ran/climbed in memory of FF Coyle. His family has been on my heart & in my thoughts since that day. We keep FF Coyle’s nametag where we see it everyday. I have prayed for his family daily & wondered what he was like. I’ve read so many wonderful things about him since that day. I pray for his Mother,family,& friends daily. He was not a victim of 911 but a HERO! My husband was honored to wear his name badge & run/climb in his memory. May we ALWAYS remember the sacrifices made.
Thank you Lisa for keeping the memory of these heroes alive!
Came across a FDNY baseball cap with ‘In Memory of FF Coyle’ on the reverse. Never met FF James R. Coyle, but I wear it with pride & in memory of him and the scores of other selfless heroes that day.
I worked with Jimmy at Battalion 31/ station 36 .I have fond memories of him while we sat under the Brooklyn bridge talking about him transferring over to fire. Ove never forgotten him and miss him dearly.God bless all his family!
Here in the Irish countryside just outside of Kinsale there is a field where a tree was planted in memory of each member of emergency services who lost their lives that day. James Coyle has a tree here and his photo us beside it with USA flag, he is not forgotten.
That is really a wonderful tribute! Thanks for letting me know about that touching remembrance.
I was honor to walk for James during 9/11 Stair climb in Charlotte, NC 2022
Thank you and we will Never Forget!
Ania and Mya Vanderkolk
Thank you for helping to keep his memory alive!
James, he was my uncle, I unfortunately did not meet him. He and my dad (his cousin) grew up quite close. My uncle was on his way to a Yankees game. But he sacrificed his life for people. Thank god for his kind so and rest in happinesses.
Yes, your uncle was the kind of man who made America great, and he died a hero.