Project 2996: Timothy Haskell

Project 2996 is an effort to remember as individuals all those we lost on 09/11/2001.    The links to the 2009 posts can be found at Project2996.wordpress.com.  The images of that day are depressing, the numbers staggering, and we tend to shy away from thinking about that horrible day but by blocking it out we are forgetting what we lost.  There is much to celebrate in those 2996 lives that were cut short and by looking at them one by one we honor their sacrifice and renew the dormant American spirit that should be with us at all times, not just when we are under duress.  Join me in remembering Timothy Haskell:

Timothy Haskell, Firefighter, FDNY Squad 18

Timmy was 34 years old and helping people out of the north tower of the WTC when it collapsed.  He must have known what was coming because the south tower had already fallen but he remained focused on saving as many people as he could.  He was a second generation firefighter along with his two brothers, one of which perished with him on September 11th.  A native of Seaford, NY, he graduated from Seaford High with the class of 1985.  Originally a Nassau County Corrections Officer, he became a firefighter in 1993.

He loved pets and spent much of his free time teaching children about fire safety with the help of his Dalmatian named Blaze.  His list of extracurricular activities draws an image of an active guy that loved the outdoors: dirt bikes, boating, diving, and flying.  His smile hints at a mischievous streak which I’m sure his brother and sister would confirm.  I would have liked the opportunity to know Tim but I take some small measure of comfort in the fact that I have known many men like him.  He died that others may live.  Yes, he was one of the victims of the 9/11 attacks but he was so much more.  Tim, along with his fellow firefighters and all the other first-responders we lost that day, didn’t just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, it was his duty to be there.  He ran toward the danger supressing his own survival instinct in order to save lives even if it meant giving his own.  Such selfless dedication should never be allowed to tarnish, it should be cherrished as a warm memory, taken down and polished every so often.  Our children should know the name Timothy Haskell, that he gave his last breath aiding his fellow man on a day that challenged the very heart of America.