The Flying Fireman

Fire Marshal Ronald Bucca

FDNY

In 1986, Ronald Bucca was a member of Rescue 1 of the FDNY when his dedication to proper preparation saved his life.  Bucca fell from five stories up off a West Side tenement while trying to assist one of his fellow firefighters.  As he was plummeting towards the ground, his backpack caught on a metal conduit, which partially broke his fall and which spun him face down.  He landed on his hands and feet, as if he was some human cat hybrid. He took one hell of a beating, so much so that he could have retired on three-quarter pension.  He did not.  It took one year but he made it back to Rescue One.  The legend of "the Flying Fireman" was born. 

He was promoted to Fire Marshal in 1992.  On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, he was at the Bureau of Fire Investigations building on Lafayette Street when the North Tower was struck at 8:46 am.  He immediately responded to the site.  He arrived as the South Tower was hit at 9:03 am.  

Bucca, not a big man (5'9" and 160 pounds), was in excellent physical condition.  He ran several miles daily.  His instincts carried him up into the South Tower to look for survivors and to help get people out of the building.  He and Battalion Chief Orio Palmer checked in from the 78th floor moments prior to its collapse. 

Ronald Bucca was forty-seven at the time of his death.  Prior to serving and protecting the people of New York City as a member of the FDNY, he served this nation as a member of the United States Army.  He and his wife, Eve, were the proud parents of a son, Ronald, Jr., and a daughter, Jessica. 

His remains were found on October 23, 2001.  His turnout coat was not found with him.  Instead it was found wrapped around the remains of the civilians.  Investigators believe that Ronald Bucca likely gave the civilians the coat to protect them. 

Serving and protecting right up until the very end.  

-AK