FDNY Bids Farewell to Canine Companion

In the days and months after 9/11, the New York City Fire Department grappled with the loss of 343 of their men while the surviving firefighters searched for the missing at ground zero. During this time, one Manhattan firehouse received a gift to help them cope with the loss. Two sheriffs from Rochester, New York presented a Dalmatian puppy, later named "Twenty," to the surviving men of Ladder Co. 20 as a gesture of condolence for the seven men from the house who were lost in the attacks.

Living up to the reputation of "man’s best friend," Twenty became a part of Ladder Co. 20.

"She really helped to build the morale in the years following 9/11," said FDNY Lt. Gary Liorio in a Facebook post. "I can’t say enough about what she did to help us. She went on all the runs, she’d jump in the truck, stick her head out the window and bark. She became a local celebrity."

Sadly, on Tuesday, the FDNY announced that their long-time companion had died. Memories of the pup flooded the comments section on the Facebook announcement. Facebook user Mareen D. remembers, "It was awesome to watch her jump into that truck. She walked around the fire station like she owned it, and I guess she DID! Probably the only firefighter that truly never went home!!"

By 9/11 Memorial Staff