Peter J. Ganci Jr. enlisted in the 82nd Airborne as an infantryman intending to go fight in the Vietnam War. He was a natural leader, earning the rank of Sergeant in 16 months. However, he never got his chance to fight in Vietnam and was extremely dejected.
Leaving the army, Ganci joined up as a probationary New York Firefighter on 15 September 1968. For the next 33 years, he would distinguish himself. In February 1983, he twice breached a burning flat and crawled under the flames to rescue two little girls stranded within. He kept it up, demonstrating extreme courage and rising through the ranks. He eventually was made Chief of Department in 1999, the highest ranking uniformed officer in the NYFD. Despite his accolades, he’d simply remark “I’m a firefighter” when asked what he did for a living.
On 17 June 2001, Ganci got a call came that three of his men were missing in a particularly fierce fire. Ganci immediately arrived, with civilian clothes underneath his helmet and bunker coat. Recognizing the intensity of the fire, he joined his men in the search despite his rank. Sadly, all three men perished in an episode that affected Ganci greatly. He’d never ask something of his men that he wouldn’t do himself.
He proved just that 20 years ago today as he to the World Trade Center after first plane hit the North Tower. The South Tower was struck shortly afterwards creating a scene of utter carnage. Despite the chaos, Ganci took complete control of his situation directing an orderly evacuation with his strict 20-minute intervals for firefighters to work in each building.
Ganci was directing from the operations from the South Tower with Deputy Fire Commissioner William Feehan, a Korean War combat vet when it collapsed at 9:59AM. Miraculously they clawed their way out of the rubble. As other firefighters rushed to his assistance, he immediately gave orders to keep up their efforts and start a new command post.
He refused evacuation, remarking “I’m not leaving my men”. As they rushed back to the North Tower in an effort to save as many lives as possible, Ganci and Feehan were both killed during the North Tower collapse at 10:28AM.
20 years after that horrific day, we should remember men like Chief Pete Ganci. He was an “All-American” in the Airborne infantry, and as firefighter. We live in uncertain times, when many who lead would not do what they ask their subordinates to. However, when we live or own lives by the ideals of a man like Chief Ganci, we can manifest the same courage as he did that fateful day.
Claw your way out, and stay in the fight.
Never Forget