Firefighter Joseph Hunter‚ FDNY‚ Squad 288‚ was born on September 29‚ 1969‚ in Brooklyn‚ New York. Joe had an infectious smile from the beginning; a beautiful‚ handsome son. He was all boy. Joe was the serious type from the onset. He always displayed traits of being caring‚ honest‚ sensitive‚ responsible‚ modest‚ bright‚ quick-witted‚ but private‚ too. Joe showed early signs of his fascination with the fire department. At the early age of four‚ Joe would race his big wheel to the corner in hopes of catching a glimpse of the fire truck on the move with its screaming sirens. As Joe grew older‚ he would follow the trucks as far as he was allowed to go on his bicycle.
At age 11‚ Joe had his own drill team practicing in his driveway and backyard‚ a cluster of neighborhood buddies‚ along with Dad’s ladder; the shed‚ the little red wagon and the garden hose were used to recreate the action of the tournaments. Joe was so serious about the racing he would instruct those who were not taking it seriously to go home! It was the preface of what was to follow. Joe played football‚ baseball‚ hockey‚ golf‚ skiing and many other sports.
When Joe turned 18‚ he was old enough to join the South Hempstead Fire Department as a volunteer. Now it was Joe’s turn to fulfill his dream and to race with the drill team. He did so for 13 years as the hydrant man for the South Hempstead Rascals‚ certainly not to be confused with the term nozzle man. The dedication and commitment to this passion was incredible. Again one of those things you couldn’t understand unless it was your passion. Joe was been referred to as the best hydrant man in Nassau County‚ which meant he could get off the truck‚ get the hose on the hydrant and turn on the water in fractions of a second.
Through the years‚ Joe was somewhat of a fixture in the firehouse‚ his second home. If he wasn’t there tending to the normal firehouse duties‚ he was often found reading or studying in the conference room‚ which was dedicated in his honor‚ being renamed the Joseph Hunter Meeting Room. Joe was often found goofing around with the guys in the firehouse‚ but when the siren went off‚ Joe became a man of action. He was serious about firefighting and liked discussing fire training.
Joe graduated from Hofstra University in 1994‚ where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Joe‚ a beloved son‚ and adored loving brother‚ a proud uncle‚ a brother-in-law‚ a proud Irishman‚ a cousin‚ a nephew‚ a friend‚ a boyfriend‚ a confidant‚ our pride and joy‚ our hero.
R.I.P. Joe…You will be missed. You were a great man who treated all equally & was a friend to all.
– William HerreraI walked in honor of Joseph Hunter this past Saturday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI for the 9-11 tribute. There are no words that will do justice to his family for his untimely death. Thank you for his service. God Bless America.
– TiffanyJoe you will be missed by all i never met you but i truly honor you i wrote a 9-11 song in honor of you
– ClareAlways in our hearts cousin Joe ❤
– Christina gannonI had the privilege to honor Joe today by carrying his tag in the Tri-Cities TN Memorial Stair Climb (9/9/2018). The bravery, courage and sacrifice he and the others made will not be forgotten.
– Amanda BarnetteI walked in honor of Mr. Hunter today (September 11,2018) in a tower challenge hosted by the 100 club. I was only a child when this horrid attack happened, but I do want to send my thought and prayers to the family and friends of the fallen hero.
– Alicia BrunetteDear Family of Joseph G. Hunter, It was my honor to hold Josephs badge in the Run For The Fallen in Kronenwetter Wi. Sept. 2017. Thank you for your service and your ultimate sacrifice. God bless you and your family.
-Bonnie
– bonnie mittlesteadtNamed after Joseph G Hunter. A daily inspiration to me each and everyday, an amazing man.
– Joseph Hunter KiffAlways in our thoughts cousin Joe our hero ❤️❤️❤️
– ChristinaNever forgotten ALWAYS REMEMBERED miss you Joe ~ thoughts of you are often honestly every time I hear the bell ring or see the big red truck my prayers are always with you & your family a true Angel of God
– Charles MajeskiI had privilege of walking in honor of Joe today. Thank you for your service.
– DeAndrea KuhnsI climbed in honor of Joseph Hunter this September 2020. The traditional CNY memorial stair climb was canceled due to Covid 19 but we climbed anyway. A group of us climbed to the fire tower of Bald Mountain in honor of our brothers who fell doing their jobs. We will never forget.
– Hans SchmidJoe, your story and one other we hold in our heart when we think of 9/11, I don’t know why but your story stuck out. Our spirts on this earth never passed but you are always in our thoughts. You are a hero Joe. Paul & Angela from Scotland x
– Pauljoe was a very good friend Joseph hunter was a good Irish catholic and was an honest truthful man and that came from his mother one of the strongest women on earth miss hunter love you joe and margret joe we had great times sunday football never forget you joe never R i p
– john morelliHappy Birthday, Fireman Joe
– LizzieI didn’t know him but I want to thank him for being a hero and giving his life helping others.
– MaryJoe I found your picture in one of my dad’s belongings, he has also past so I believe you might have worked together since he was a firefighter too. I give you and your family empathy because as much as I love my dad your we’re a hero too so I respect you none less.
– Frank DibenedettoJoe, you are not forgotten! I believe you left a legacy that continues to flourish in your hometown to this day. Thank you for your caring service! I climbed because you climbed. Lambeau Field, 09-10-2022
– Maynard KilmerHappy heavenly birthday, Hero Fireman Joe.
– LizzieI recently visited a beautiful memorial garden in Kinsale, Ireland where 344 trees have been planted in honour of the men who fell and their chaplain. I tied a ribbon for Joe to the tree bearing his name. I had previously come across a memorial card for Joe at Máméan, Connemara, having previously heard his dear mother talking on Irish radio only a few days before.
– Matt CreminIt was an honor to climb for Fireman Joesph Hunter, on 9 Sep 2023 at the Tri-City TN, Memorial Stair Climb. R.I.P. Fireman Joe, you are a true hero.
– MichaelYou and your 342 brothers are heroes.
Happy heavenly birthday, fireman joe
– LizzieHappy birthday Joe. You would have rocked 54 in life like you did on the field.
– JenGod bless you Joe 🙏
– Samantha ElliottI climbed with Joseph today at the Baltimore 9/11 Stair Climb. His dedication and selflessness will never be forgotten! RIP Joseph and thank you
– Elizabeth GoodmanAlways thinking of you Joe.
– Frank J. McGarityChester Street, South Hempstead.
I had the honor of walking in memory of
– Robin BrownFirefighter Joseph Hunter SQD 288 at the Tunnels to Towers 911 event in Columbia, South Carolina on September 13, 2024. To his family and friends – you are in my prayers today and always. #neverforget