The Captain

 

Captain Vincent Brunton, FDNY

Ladder 105 - Brooklyn

(End of Watch September 11, 2001)

For Vincent Brunton, 1979 was a big year.  It was the year he and his wife Cathy were married.  It was the year his daughter Kelly was born.  It was the year he became a New York City Firefighter.  

At the time of his death on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 he was a Captain in the FDNY in Ladder 105 in Brooklyn.   His dedication and devotion to training were so well-known in the FDNY that after he died a pillar at the Fire Academy was dedicated to him.  In 1992 he was awarded a departmental medal for saving a handicapped woman from a fire.  

Captain Brunton was also renowned among those with whom he worked at the FDNY for his ability to maintain his calm in high-pressure situations.   So profound was his influence that after he died one of his firefighters, Will Hickey, carried a small photograph of Captain Brunton inside of his helmet that he would touch every now and again because, according to FF Hickey, it reminded him to stay calm, to keep it simple, and to think on his feet.  

Three great lessons by which to live one’s life.  

-AK