Today is the birthday of FDNY Captain Terence Hatton of Rescue 1. He was born on Sep 26, 1959, and would have been 62 years old today. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that he made on September 11, 2001.
Terence S. Hatton of Manhattan was a much-decorated fire captain of Rescue Company 1 in Manhattan and led his men into the north tower. His remains were recovered more than two weeks later.
The captain of an elite FDNY unit, Terry Hatton had received 19 commendations for bravery, including the department's Medal of Valor.
For his family, which lives in Rockville Centre where he grew up, his death came as he was "doing something he loved," said his mother, Grace Hatton.
He'd also found love in his personal life: Beth Patrone, Mayor Rudy Giuliani's executive assistant. They met at a burn center fundraiser and were married by the mayor at Gracie Mansion in May 1998. On Sept. 12, 2001, she found out she was pregnant, and the following May gave birth to Teri Elizabeth, now 9. Grace Hatton cut the umbilical cord.
"She came into the world not knowing her father but she carries his bright smile and kind heart," said Hatton's mother, who praised her daughter-in-law's strength and courage. "We're very lucky we have a very good, loving relationship with Beth. And Teri is our shining star: she lights up everyone's eyes when she walks in."
Hatton's father, Ken, a retired deputy chief; sister Grace S. Hatton Antoniou, and mother last saw him a few days before his death.
After dinner at his apartment, he and his father delivered cakes and desserts to Rescue 1 and the FDNY dispatchers station in Central Park, the family recalled. Later, as they said their goodbyes while waiting for the elevator, he held his 4-year-old nephew and godson, Conor Antoniou. "Conor," he said, "always know a different way out. Firemen always use the stairs." He and Conor went down the stairs, and Conor has never forgotten that day.
His sister expressed a profound sense of loss at the death of her "brother, best friend, mentor, and voice of reason." At her wedding, he stood as man of honor by her side.
"We miss him terribly," his mother said. "You just keep going on day by day."
New York Newsday, 2011