Tribute to a hero
In Memoriam
Thomas E. Sabella
New York Fire Department, Manhattan, Div. 03, Ladder 13
Died at the World Trade Center, North Tower
September 11, 2001
44-year-old Thomas Sabella was already a hero on September 11, 2001. He had been a New York City firefighter for 18 years, risking his life every day in service to his fellow man and to his city. In November 1998, he had lowered himself from the roof of a burning 6-story building in order to rescue someone trapped on the 5th floor. On the morning of September 11, 2001, he and his FDNY unit--one of the first to arrive at the Twin Towers--had already rescued scores of people from inside the North Tower.
And, despite warnings that the building was faltering, they were on their way to rescue more people when the immense tower collapsed, trapping Thomas and eight of his colleagues inside a stairwell.
The man responsible for these courageous deeds was family-oriented, humble, generous, spirited, and very talented. Thomas was born in Brooklyn, but a resident of Staten Island from the age of 5. Born to Edward and Ann Sabella, Thomas also had a brother, Charles, and a sister, Loretta. He graduated from Susan Wagner High School, and married his high school sweetheart, Diana (nee Cerda). They had two children, Nicole and James, aged 10 and 6 at the time they suffered the loss of their devoted father. He was dedicated to spending plenty of time and energy with them.
Thomas was skilled at construction work and welding, and had worked as a welder before joining the FDNY. He didn't forget his skills, and took pride in rebuilding and adding onto an old home. He enjoyed growing his own vegetables, cooking, and making his own wine. He was a passionate man, and always up for trying new things. If he didn't succeed, he kept trying, never getting discouraged.
May our hero and brother Thomas rest in peace and eternal light, and may his family be always consoled with peace and comfort. Let us never forget our American brothers and sisters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Let us take courage from them, and love the nation they loved. May they watch over us and our nation in these uncertain times. ~Amen~
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