FDNY Fire Marshal, Ronald Bucca

On september 11th 2001 New York City Fire Marshal Ronald Bucca, and supervisor Jimmy Devery, entered a side entrance of the south tower of the world trade center in manhattan, within the hour following a terrorist plane crashing into the building.

The buildings were a familiar site to Ron as he was a fire Marshal down at the towers in the aftermath of the 1993 attack and, following that incident, he made it his priority to learn every aspect of the building in the knowledge that such an attack could happen at any time in the future. In the weeks prior to the 9/11attack Ronnie met with the Maintenance workers of the World Trade Center to discuss alternate routes of escape from both towers in the eventuality of another such attack.

Fighting through the chaos and confusion he ascended the stairwells, finally reaching the 78th floor where the fire was thought to be at its worst. He was then joined by Battalian Chief Orio Palmer in the evaction. He continued to help people, fighting the fire as it spread out of control until, ultimately, the tower collapsed.

Ron was a man of many accomplishments and interests. In the 47 years he was here, he achieved an extraordinary number of things. He excelled in, and was most proud of, his family roles.

He was 23-year veteran of the FDNY and had served with Engine 95, Ladder 2, the Fitness Unit, Rescue 1, the FDNY Terrorist Task Force and was promoted to Fire Marshal in 1992. While a member of Rescue 1, in an attempt to rescue a brother firefighter, he fell five stories, severely injuring himself. Although many believed his career was over , he returned to full duty within a year. The men at Rescue 1 nicknamed him "The Flying Fireman."

Ron served inthe military for 29 years and was recently promoted to Warrant Officer in the US Army Reserve. He spent two years active duty with the 101st Airborne Division. Most of his Career was with the 11th Special Forces Group and the Defence Intelligence Agency as a Military Intelligence Analyst. He was a past President of Chapter 66 Special Forces Association and a member of the American Legion.

He was a Licensed Practical Nurse and held an Associate Degree in OSHA and Fire Science from John Jay College and a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety from Mercy College. HIs hobbies included archeology, travel, history and physical fitness.

He was an avid historian and was assisting in the Fire Museum in a Zoave exhibit. He had lifelong interests in Boy Scouting and woodsmanship, but what he truly enjoyed was spending time with his family and friends. We will miss his insatiable curiosity, mischievous humor, adventurous spirit and commitment to doing the right thing. He touched many lives and hearts and led by example. When facing the ultimate challenge he stood fast and did his duty. He will be greatly missed and loved.