Remembering NYC Firefighter Jose A. Guadalupe

The horror of the events of September 11, 2001 is fading for many, but we must never forget. On that day, 2,996 people were murdered in cold blood, a number that is in many ways still incomprehensible, and the terrible pain inflicted on their families and friends is still too fresh and raw.

Each year, we honor their memory, and mourn their loss.

This post is to honor the life of Jose A. Guadalupe, a New York City Firefighter who lost his life at the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001 while trying to save the lives of many others.

Jose was a member of Engine Company 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9 in Manhattan, one of 15 brave men from that Battalion who perished that day.

From “Portraits of Grief” from the New York Times:

Whenever Firefighter Jose A. Guadalupe saw a cluster of young boys hanging in the shadows of his housing complex, Rochedale Village in Jamaica, Queens, he would leap into his spiel about the importance of school, said his mother, Rowena Guadalupe. “He loved to mentor,” Mrs. Guadalupe said. “He told my neightbor, Jamal, not to hang out in front of the buildings. He would say, ‘Go home and study.’”

He encouraged ohters, too. In his honor, neighbors placed a miniature fire truck and an american flag at the base of a tree outside his apartment building, she said. “Everyone has told me that it will not be removed until the digging at ground zero is over. After that, they plan to have a plaque made for the outside of the building.”

While Firefighter Guadalupe, 37, cut a large figure at six feet and about 200 pounds, he was quiet. He kept to himself, preferring to build model cars, ski, play basketball, sketch and ride his mountain bike. He was an avid reader, enjoying everything from The Adventures of Marco Polo to physics, said Lt. Louis Robinson, who attended the fire academy with Firefighter Guadalupe 10 years ago. They also worked together at Engine Company 54 in Manattan.

Firefighter Guadalupe had recently taken up the guitar. He was captivated by Jimi Hendrix. “Stone Free” was one of the Hendrix hits that left him spellbound.

Elise S. Guadalupe was Jose’s wife, and posted this memorial at the 9-11 Heroes Web site on 9/12/2003:

I’ve always said that it takes a special kind of person to be a firefighter. Tony was that kind of special and much, much more.

Tony was the most intelligent and thoughtful person one could have the pleasure to know. He is my mentor, my friend and my husband. It is because of him that I am the woman that I am today. He means the world to me and will forever be alive in my heart.

Tony loved to read, he loved Jimi Hendrix and had taken up the guitar, he was extremely athletic, playing basketball, skiing, and bike riding regularly, and never hesitated to share his experience with others. Many people considered him a friend and confidant. He is truly missed, but we who knew him best must keep his memory alive for his baby boy A.J., the most beautiful baby in the world.

Tony –

I never imagined living in a world without you. It’s hard to believe that its two years since you were taken away from us, because it feels like yesterday. I always thought you were invincible. I guess that’s why its so hard to believe. I’ve loved you since I was 15 and you looked at me and made me so nervous I dropped my books on the train on the way to school. The child inside me will love you forever and the woman I am is grateful to you for loving me.

Always, Elise.

Jose, thank you for your service to the people of New York City, and your ultimate sacrifice.

We will never forget.

Read and honor other victims of 9/11 at the Remembering the Victims of 9/11 memorial.

Tags: 9/11 WTC