You have to be a seriously amazing individual to fill the boots of a firefighter and rise to the commitment, dedication and success level that is required to reach that expectation bar.

One, you’d be shocked to learn accomplished that amazing feat.  In 1976, one of America’s loved best Actor, Director, Writer and then FDNY firefighter, Steven “Steve” Vincent Buscemi was one of many to fulfill their dream in this great profession.  After four years as a firefighter, he left and became a successful artist.

Photo: Do you recognize this man? Do you know his name?</p><br /> <p>Lots of people know he’s an actor, and that his name is Steve Buscemi. </p><br /> <p>What very few people realize is that he was once one of New York’s Bravest.</p><br /> <p>In 1976 Steve Buscemi took the FDNY civil service test when he was just 18 years old. In 1980 Steve Buscemi became a New York City Firefighter. </p><br /> <p>For four years, Buscemi served on one FDNY's busiest, Engine Co. 55 in Manhattan's Little Italy. He later left the fire service to become a successful actor, writer and director.</p><br /> <p>After 9/11/2001... Brother Buscemi returned to FDNY Engine 55.</p><br /> <p>On September 12, 2001 and for several days following Brother Steve worked 12-hour shifts alongside other firefighters digging and sifting through the rubble from the World Trade Center looking for survivors. </p><br /> <p>Very few photographs and no interviews exist because he declined them. He wasn't there for the publicity.</p><br /> <p>In 2003 he also gave a speech at a union rally supporting higher wages for firefighters and to stop fire houses from closing. He got arrested along with other firefighters.</p><br /> <p>Once a brother, always a brother!</p><br /> <p>FYI… this guy is a Badass !!! </p><br /> <p>Tip of the helmet Brother Steve!</p><br /> <p>Jonathan Lusk<br /><br /> Publisher ~ Brotherhood of Fire<br /><br /> Captain ~ Fresno Fire, CA ~ E18C</p><br /> <p>“Brotherhood Strong”<br /><br /> www.facebook.com/firebrotherhood

 

He served at one of the City’s busiest FDNY firehouses, Engine Co. 55 in Manhattan’s Little Sicily.  After the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, he would later return the following day after working 12-hour shifts for several days alongside with his firefighter brothers and sisters helping sift through the rubble.

On May 25, 2003, he was arrested for protesting the closure of his former firehouse.  Additionally, in 2003, he continued to support his brothers and sisters by giving a speech about giving them higher wages while at an union rally.

This individual knows what it takes to be a successful in life as a firefighter and as an actor.  As his FDNY brothers and sisters say, “Once a brother.  Always a brother.”

< Editor’s Note:  This little blurb was inspired by the Brotherhood of Fire’s Facebook Page.   Another great success story. >

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