A good guy with whom I was acquainted. It's sad that the effects of Sept. 11th continue even after twelve years but, if you read the obit, you'll see another example of ordinary people responding in ways that are extraordinary.
A retired city firefighter who went on to become the head of a specialized team that assisted residents ravaged by disasters died Monday. He was 59. Luis (Pepe) Fragoso, formerly of Ladder 53 in Harlem and Engine 83 in the Bronx, died of a heart attack at his home, according to friend Lt. Rico Diaz.
It is not often noted that, even under ordinary working conditions and with modern safety equipment, firefighters still inhale an awful lot of toxins. Between that and un-addressed issues related to post-traumatic stress reaction, their longevity is often compromised.