Michael Paul Ragusa‚ 29‚ firefighter‚ FDNY‚ Engine 279. Ragusa joined the FDNY in 1999 after being on the waiting list for seven years. Just a few weeks before September 11‚ he was the nozzle man in charge of putting out a paint fire in a warehouse in Brooklyn‚ which he did successfully.
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Today I climbed proudly in memory of Michael Paul Ragusa. I wonder if he was a father, brother or uncle. What he liked to do, where he grew up. I may not know you or your family but I will always have a connection to you. I believe things happen for a reason. The reason I received your photo today may not be known to me and may not be something I ever know but for you, I am thankful. My thoughts will be with your family forever. You are a hero.
– AlyssaIt has been a honor to represent Michael Ragusa the last two years at the 9/11 Denver Memorial Stairclimb. May God hear his families and my prayers for him.
FF A. Hackbarth
– Austin HackbarthClovis, NM
It was an honor for me to climb in memory of Michael at the Clayton 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. He will never be forgotten and always in the thoughts and prayers of many.
– Sue TigheToday I carried your name with me during the 9/11 stair climb in Green Bay. It was an honor to do so. You are not forgotten. Your profession is made up of true heros. God bless
– Jean westfallThe Dansville & Wayland NY Fire Department organized their first annual Stair Climb in honor of the fallen firefighters. I am an Auxiliary member & was helping & saw Michael’s photo who resembles my son and had to participate in honor of him & all the others who gave their lives & service. Prayers to all the families who lost someone.
– Alise RounsvilleAs Michael’s cousin thank you !!
– LeirraClimbing in honor of FF Ragusa in tri cities 9/11 stairclimb. Never forgotten
– Luke woodI contacted the parents shortly after 911. I still think of Michael as family, though we have not found a direct link on the Ragusa family tree. As a Catholic priest, I remember him in my masses, especially on September 11. May he know eternal rest and peace in heaven. And they his family find strength in the fact that he gave his life serving others. “There is no greater love than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”.
– Salvatore RagusaThis past weekend I climbed again to honor Michael. I could not believe that out of so many that left us on that tragic day, I have received his name twice. Truly never forgotten and in my heart forever.
– Sue TigheToday I ran the September 11th stair climb in Cahokia, Illinois. I wore Michael’s name on a headband as I ran and thought about him and his legacy as I ran. You are truly a hero and will never be forgotten. Thank you for your sacrifices. Sending all of the love your way.
– Ashlee DeWittI am visiting NYC on a 911 tour and saw your name amongst the other firefighters at the memorial pool. I am originally from Long Island and my father’s name was Paul Ragusa. I can’t help but wonder if we were related somehow. Thank you for all you have done to keep us safe.
– Raymond RagusaClimbed for you in the Melbourne firefighter stair challenge 2019. It was an honour to carry a photo and a piece of your memory up the stairs! Rest In Peace Michael.
– MitchHad the honor today of climbing in memory of Michael Ragusa in the Greenville, SC September 11 ceremony. Our prayers are with him and his family.
– John A PirragliaI’m running the Tunnel 2 Towers run in Vero Beach, FL on Saturday. They have provided us with tribute badges of the 343 and am honored to have run Michael and Adam Rand run with me in spirt.
May we never forget our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for others.
DW
– Dave WoodI climbed 110 stories in honor of Michael, it was my honor to carry his memory.
343
– David HaydenToday, September 11, 2021 I ran the Tunnel to Tower 5K in Swansboro, NC in honor of Michael Ragusa. I was very honored to carry your picture as I ran today thinking of the ultimate sacrifice you made on this day 20 years ago. May you soul be at peace in Heaven as you laid down your life for your fellow men.
– Cheryl BunkerCheryl
Thank you sir! You will not be forgotten.
– Daniel Richardson-SSgt Richardson
I.d.k. why I stumbled across your name this Sunday morning but I know that you are a hero that’s for certain!! I pray for your family and I appreciate the sacrifice you made that day!! God bless….
– BrandonThank you all for honoring my cousin Michael Paul Ragusa. He was a hero even before 9/11. He served others not only as a firefighter, but in his daily life. Anyone that had the honor of knowing Mikey, knew that they could call on him and count on him any time of the day. His life was tragically cut short on 9/11, and he is deeply loved and missed by his loving parents, his 2 brothers, his sister, his nephews and niece, all of his extended family and friends. I am so grateful to read these beautiful tributes from all of you honoring Michael! Thank you and God Bless you!
– Stephanie GulliI’m currently writing an essay about 9/11, and I am using Michael Paul Ragusa as an example of someone who may have been forgotten by the public, but is still important to those who did know him (or even those who dont!)
– MichaelToday (Sept 11, 2022) I watched as they remembered our fallen heroes and I was touched as always sadly trying to hold back my tears. I totally lost it when they called out Michael Ragusa being that I personally know his brother whom I find to be a very loving kind hearted friend. Michael you truly are a hero prayers to your wonderful family may God give them all the strength needed my thoughts will be with your family and all families thank you all for your sacrifice and bravery. William Vizcarrondo
– William VizcarrondoI worked with Mike with a plumbing company in Brooklyn before He joined the FDNY. Mike was a stand up guy! Awesome man to be around, would give His shirt off His back for anyone! So I’m not surprised when I heard He ran up in the blaze without a second thought. Always remembering Mike as long as I’m on this earth!
– DominickStair climb to day in Gulf Shores, Al. I proudly carried your card with me. It was an honor.
– J R BedelToday I had the honor of climbing 110 stories in memory of Fire Fighter Michael Ragusa at the Roanoke 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. A true hero. God bless.
– Helen LangToday I climbed wearing Michael’s picture around my neck. I never met him, but have spent a lot of time thinking of him today. He was a hero and I am greatful for his courage. Sending love and prayers to his family and loved ones. It was an honor wearing his picture.
– Jenni NowakToday I’ll proudly run 3 1/2 miles for Michael Paul Ragusa. Sir, it was an honor to run with you today, your bravery and selflessness is what I try to achieve every day. As I run today I think about you and pray for your family. I may not have known you, but you were always be a part of me from now on.
FF H. McPhail
– Hayden McPhailAshland ,Ks
Today I participated in this year’s Tunnel to Towers 5k and I was given Michael’s photo to represent him. I’m incredibly honored to have been given that privilege to be able to walk for someone who did so much to serve and protect others. Thank you Michael for everything you did. You are a hero. And you’ll never be forgotten.
– AlyssaYesterday I walked the 5K Tunnel To Towers event in St. Augustine, FL. As I looked at all the faces of the men that lost their lives that day, I was overwhelmed. I picked his badge to wear….drawn to that big smile and kind eyes. I am not sure if it was on purpose or not, but his fireman’s hat was not exactly in the right position and I imagined him being a bit mischievous and fun. All traits of my husband. You won’t be forgotten Mikey!
– Kristan MalinDid the 2024 tower challenge in KC at arrowhead stadium. I was given Michael’s photo to climb in his honor. Then was able to offer prayers at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in KC. Thanks for your service to Michael. RIP
– Mike McCartney