Timothy Patrick “TK” Klein was born September 17, 1990, to his proud parents, Patrick and Diane (Dee Dee). He was the oldest of four children; his three sisters, Tara, Bridget, and Erin, absolutely adored him. He has a large extended family—his brother-in-law, Sean, many aunts, uncles, cousins, his Nana, and girlfriend, Courtney—who all love and miss him each day. He grew up in Rockaway Beach, New York and attended St. Francis De Sales Elementary School, Archbishop Molloy High School, and York College of Pennsylvania, where he received his bachelor’s degree in sports management.

Timothy was easy going with a quiet but infectious personality that everyone gravitated to. His love of sports and country music began early and stayed with him throughout his life. He faced many adversities along the way but remained driven and hardworking, never wanting special treatment or attention to the tribulations he faced. That quiet modesty and humility allowed him to become the amazing person he was. He had a strong work ethic and always knew he wanted to become a NYC firefighter, like his grandpa, uncles, cousins, and father proudly did. He achieved his dream, joining the fire department in December 2015.

Tim was loved and respected, earning the firehouse nickname “The Golden Child,” because no one on the job could ever say a bad thing about him. He was always early to shift and eager to learn all he could to improve himself. He loved everything about working in Canarsie, Brooklyn, and was studying to take the lieutenant’s test. He strived to do his best in everything he did. He volunteered with Fight for Firefighters, building ramps for those in need, and assisted the Fire Family Transport organization. He was constantly thinking of ways he could help others.

Timothy was a Rockaway Beach kid through and through. His favorite day was on the beach with family and friends, his cooler of Bud Lights, his boombox blasting country music, playing volleyball and cornhole until dark. He was a polite, charismatic, good-hearted boy who grew up to be a great man who always managed to do the right thing. His love of life was evident in how he lived.

Tim passed away doing what he loved as one of New York’s Bravest, which was his true purpose in life. He was always putting others before himself, making the ultimate sacrifice to save another. He overcame childhood health obstacles and accomplished his dream epitomizing what it means to be a New York City firefighter—humble, kind, selfless, and always there to help. He is missed every day, but his life and legacy live on, which helps us all live each day with a little Timmy in it.