Paying the Price of Freedom

Police Officer David P. LeMagne of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Police Department was just twenty-seven years old when he died in the line of duty at the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001.  He had been a member of the Port Authority PD for less than one year when he responded with the Port Authority PD's Special Ops Unit to the World Trade Center.  

He was not part of the Special Ops Unit.  He was assigned to Journal Square in Jersey City.  Yet, after the North Tower was struck, he implored - in fact practically begged his Lieutenant - to permit him to head across the Hudson River to Lower Manhattan.  Prior to joining the Port Authority PD in 2000, Officer LeMagne had spent several years working as a paramedic at Jersey City Medical Center and University Hospital in Newark as an EMT.  On what tragically proved to be the final morning of his life, Officer LeMagne insisted on being where his skills would best be put to use helping the thousands of people at work in the World Trade Center.  By being where he needed to be - and not where he was assigned to be - Officer LeMagne effectively traded his life for that of countless others.  Others who he did not know and who did not know him. 

Police Officer David Prudencio LeMagne's body was recovered from Ground Zero in January 2002, approximately one year after he had first joined the Department.  The last known photograph of him?  Helping carry an injured woman out of danger - using a door as a gurney - which door he then set down before he ran back into the building to help others still inside. 

Police Officer David P. LeMagne - September 11, 2001

Photo Credit:  Dominick DePinto

Saturday morning, following the Fallen Heroes 5K, Margaret and I were at Bar A with Gidg, Lynne, Raj, and Bindi when we struck up a conversation with several members of the Fourth Watch Motorycyle Club, a great group of guys who make it their mission to not only honor Officer LeMagne's memory but to keep it - and him - alive.  

This Saturday, when Margaret and I place our flags at the September 11 Memorial in lower Manhattan, we shall place one for Police Officer LeMagne.  We shall do so not simply this year but every year thereafter when we are in Manhattan for the Tunnel to Towers Run.  "Never Forget" is not a catchphrase.  It is a commitment. 

Spring Lake September 11 Memorial 

It is a commitment that is renewed every day.  Every day.

-AK