Today is the birthday of FDNY Lieutenant Ronald Kerwin of Squad 288. He was born on October 6, 1958, and would have been 63 years old today. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that he made on September 11, 2001. May he continue to rest in peace.
In September 1981‚ Ron became a firefighter for the FDNY. He worked in E275 for 10 years and then worked for L126 for 2 years. He was promoted to Fire Marshal in 1993 and in September 1997‚ he was promoted to Lieutenant. After one and a half years as Lieutenant‚ he was accepted in the SOC Unit – Special Operations Command. He was a Lieutenant in Squad 288 in Queens. He served 20 years with the FDNY.
The fire service was a great part of Ron’s life. He joined the volunteer fire service on Long Island in 1982 as a firefighter with the Jericho Fire Department. In 1985 he moved to Levittown and joined the Levittown Fire Department. He was a member of Ladder Co. 1 and served as their Captain before becoming Deputy Chief in 1993. He served as Chief of Department in 2000 and 2001.
Ron was a loving husband and father of three beautiful children. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a spontaneous personality.
Ron will be remembered as a hero for giving up his life to save others on September 11‚ 2001. He will also be remembered for the way he lived. He dedicated his life to helping others. He is dearly missed by his family and friends and he will forever be in their hearts. - National Fallen Firefighters Foundation