I didn’t know Steve except for a brief meeting at this year’s Stickball Tournament in San Diego (only one week before the terror struck). The first time we met, Steve had just slid into home base to lay it all out for his team and try to score that very important run that would have made it 11-2. That’s what I thought was a true TEAM player, someone who would give the skin off of his leg for his team. It seems Steve gave more than that for his “team” that next week.

I can’t help thinking of Steve talking to his son during the tournament and teaching him the lessons of Stickball. I feel for that little boy now, as I know his world (as has countless others) has been changed forever. I pray for Steve’s family and the families of those who lost someone in that terrible disaster.

I know that in some way, there will have a higher calling for Steve and the members of his firefighting unit. Their bravery and heroism was not for nothing, as I know that in some way, they had a hand in helping those who were able to escape the World Trade Center buildings.

Rest in Peace, Steve.