FDNY Probationary Firefighters Honor Fallen Firefighters at 9/11 Memorial

Three hundred FDNY probationary firefighters lined the South Pool of the 9/11 Memorial on Friday to lay a wreath near the inscribed names of the 343 members of the FDNY who were killed in the line of duty on 9/11.

The sounds of bagpipes filled the air as the graduating class of “probies” marched in procession into the museum to learn more about the history of the attacks.

The visit took place days ahead of the class’ graduation from the Fire Academy. After their completion of a 18-week training program, the probationary firefighters will commit to protecting the lives and property of New York City residents and visitors.

Among these probationary firefighters is Carl Kumpel who honors the legacy of his father, Kenneth Bruce Kumpel of Ladder 25, made the supreme sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001.

"When I was younger I remember going to many department functions with my father,” said Probationary Firefighter Kumpel. “Being exposed to the camaraderie of this job is why I joined. I'm looking forward to answering the call and being there for anyone that needs it. It means the world to me to follow in the footstep of my father and make him proud."

After first joining the NYPD in 1987 and the FDNY in 1990, Kenneth Bruce Kumpel was on duty on Sept. 11 and was called to the World Trade Center with his Upper West Side unit. He was posthumously promoted to Fire Marshal.

Kumpel “always had time for his sons, Gregory and Carl, whether it was boating, a game of kickball or coaching organized sports of soccer or baseball,” The Staten Island Advance reported in 2001.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff